Personal monitoring apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, including a housing, a display located on a first side face of the housing, a touch screen keyboard viewable via the display, at least two microphones, wherein a first microphone is located on the first side face of the housing, at least two speakers, wherein a first speaker is located on the second side face of the housing, at least two cameras, wherein a first camera is located on the first side face of the housing, and at least two indicator lights located on the first side face of the housing. The first indicator light, when illuminated, signifies that the apparatus is located within a safe zone of travel. The second indicator light, when illuminated, signifies that the apparatus is located outside of a safe zone of travel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/085,587, filed Nov. 30, 2014, andentitled “PERSONAL MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD”, the subject matterand teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a personal monitoring apparatus andmethod and, in particular, to a personal monitoring apparatus and methodwhich can be utilized to monitor infants, children, the elderly, orindividuals of any and./or all ages and/or to monitor their position orlocation, their whereabouts, their surroundings, their vital signs,their physiological measurements, states, or condition, and/or anyindividual and/or individuals with whom they may come into contact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All to often we hear horror stories about children being lost, abducted,left in vehicles, left on school buses, or falling ill, or are found in,or placed in, any type or kind of dangerous or precarious predicament.We also hear of individuals and, in particular, elderly individuals,becoming lost, disoriented, falling ill, or otherwise being in otherprecarious predicaments. Lastly, we also hear of individuals of anyand/or all ages suddenly falling ill or being in need of emergencymedical attention or in need of other assistance.

While so-called “amber alerts” provide a public notification system ormethod which alerts or notifies the public regarding a missing child,and while so-called “silver alerts” are a public notification system ormethod which alerts or notifies the public regarding a missing person, amissing adult, or a missing elderly person afflicted with a conditionsuch as Alzheimer's, Dementia, or other condition, these publicnotification systems are flawed in that they rely on members of thepublic to actually find, look out for, and/or find and/or report, themissing child or missing person. If the missing child or missing personbecomes disoriented, falls ill, gets lost in an isolated area, becomesfearful and/or tries to hide from others, the above-described publicnotification systems can be futile in finding the missing child ormissing person.

Providing children and adults of all ages with personal communicationdevices such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, orlike communication devices, can also prove useless when the child oradult falls ill, panics, is unable to speak, becomes unconscious, or isotherwise unable to utilize such a personal communication device.

In this regard, it is submitted that the prior art systems which seek tofind, locate, and provide assistance to, missing children and adultshave many shortcomings and do not provide an effective means by which tofind, locate, and assist, these missing children and adults.

SUMMARY

The present invention pertains to a personal monitoring apparatus andmethod and, in particular, to a personal monitoring apparatus and methodwhich can be utilized to monitor infants, children, the elderly, orindividuals of any and./or all ages, and/or to monitor their position orlocation, their whereabouts, their surroundings, their vital signs,their physiological measurements, states, or condition, and/or anyindividual and/or individuals with whom they may come into contact,which overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art.

The present invention can provide an apparatus and method which can beutilized to monitor and/or to track the whereabouts and/or travels of anindividual at any time, to compare an individual's current whereaboutsto their current location or a location where they should be, ought tobe, or are expected to be, and/or to provide an alert, or to provide anotification, to the individual, a parent of the individual, a child ofthe individual, a relative of the individual, a caregiver of theindividual, an employer of the individual, a law enforcement agency orlaw enforcement personnel, emergency services personnel, a third party,or any other person or entity, when the individual is located at alocation where they should not be, wherein they ought not be, where theyare not expected to be, or when they have deviated from, or aredeviating from, a planned, an expected, or a desired, travel route, or aplanned, expected, or desired, schedule when they itinerary.

The present invention can be used to monitor the whereabouts, thelocation, or the travel, of a child of any age, a child having specialneeds, a child who has become injured or ill, or a child who has becomelost, mission, or who has become a victim of foul play. The presentinvention can be used to monitor the whereabouts, the location, or thetravel, of an adult or an elderly individual of any age, an adult or anelderly individual having special needs, an adult or an elderlyindividual who has become ill or injured, or an adult or an elderlyindividual who has become lost, mission, or who has become a victim offoul play.

The present invention can also be utilized to provide information or anindication, to the individual or to any persons with whom the individualmay come into contact, which can provide information indicative of theindividual being where he or she should not be, indicative that theindividual is lost, indicative that the individual is or might beinjured or ill, or indicative that the individual is in need of help orassistance.

The present invention can also be utilized to provide information or anindication, to a parent of the individual, to a child of the individual,to a relative of the individual, to a caregiver of the individual, to anemployer of the individual, to a law enforcement agency or lawenforcement personnel, to an emergency services personnel, to any thirdparty, or to any other person or entity, when the individual has beendetermined to be lost, injured, ill, or otherwise in need of help orassistance.

The present invention can also be utilized to obtain, record, store,and/or provide, healthcare information or physiological data and/orinformation, or any other information regarding the state or status ofan individual, including, but not limited to, the individual's heartrate, blood pressure, body temperature, blood sugar level, or any otherphysical condition, physiological condition, or healthcare condition,which can be measured or measurable by any wearable device or by anyimplanted device or implantable device.

The present invention can also be utilized to initiate, establish,and/or maintain, a communication link, or a telephone call, with andbetween any of the herein-described personal monitoring devices with andany of the herein-described user communication devices, centralprocessing computers, and/or law enforcement communication devicesand/or emergency services communication devices. In this regard, forexample, a line communication can be established with and/or between thepersonal monitoring device of a lost, mission, or ill, child's and auser communication device of, associated with, or used by, the child'sparent, relative, caregiver, or other authorized person. The presentinvention can also be utilized to provide an open, andspeakerphone-operated, line of communication with the personalmonitoring device so that a respective parent, relative, caregiver, orother authorized person can, using a user communication device, speakto, or engage in conversation with, the child or with any individualwith whom the child comes into contact so as to facilitate finding thechild, helping the child find help of his or her way back to a safelocation, and/or making sure that the child is brought to a place ofsafety and/or is safely returned home or to another safe location,and/or to make sure that the child's needs are provided for until beingreunited with his or her parent(s), a caregiver, or law enforcement. Thepresent invention can also be utilized in a same, a similar, or ananalogous, manner in providing personal monitoring for adults andelderly individuals of any age.

The present invention can also be utilized in order to establish, and toprovide services for, personal monitoring accounts for individuals. In apreferred embodiment, a personal monitoring account can be assigned toan individual in order to provide any number or monitoring services forthat individual. For example, a personal monitoring account can beutilized to allow any other authorized individual, person, or entity, tomonitor, and/or to track location, position, or movement of, anindividual, to communicate with the individual at any time, tocommunicate with people in the vicinity of the individual, to obtaininformation regarding the position, location, or whereabouts of theindividual, persons with whom the individual may be in contact with, ormay have come into contact with, the individual's itinerary, travels, toobtain video and/or audio information regarding the individual, his orher travels, locations, and/or any other information regarding theindividual. In a preferred embodiment, one or more personal monitoringaccounts can be set up by or for an individual. In this regard, anindividual can have one personal monitoring account (“PMA”) or aplurality of personal monitoring accounts.

The present invention can be utilized to provide a number of variousfeatures and functionality which can be useful in providing personalmonitoring services and operations for infants, children, and adults, ofany ages. The apparatus and method of the present invention can also beutilized to provide personal monitoring services and operations for andregarding pets and animals of any type or kind.

The apparatus of the present invention includes a personal monitoringdevice. The personal monitoring device can be any suitable communicationdevice and can be, a cellular telephone, a mobile telephone or wirelesstelephone, a Smartphone, a personal digital assistant, or any othersuitable device. The personal monitoring device can be equipped with thecommunication equipment typically found in cellular telephones, mobiletelephones or wireless telephones, Smartphones, personal digitalassistants, or any other suitable devices, for facilitating a two-waycommunication with other individuals or entities and/or withcommunications devices, computers, equipment, or any other communicationequipment used by any individuals or entities. The personal monitoringdevice can also be equipped with global positioning system (GPS) deviceor equipment. The personal monitoring device can also be equipped withnavigation equipment such as are typically found in commerciallyavailable GPS navigation devices and equipment which are used to assistmotorists and individuals traveling in motor vehicles in navigating froma location to a destination.

The personal monitoring device can also be equipped with globalpositioning system (GPS) equipment and navigation equipment which canallow the personal monitoring device to act in a stand-alone manner,without having to obtain any navigation information from any externaldevice or computer. The personal monitoring device can be equipped toreceive, and provide to a user, navigation data and/or information,including, but not limited to, navigation instructions, which isobtained from an external computer or communication device or a serviceprovider computer or communication device.

The personal monitoring device can be any communication device,computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer,Smartphone or smartphone, smart telephone, cellular telephone, personaldigital assistant, tablet, tablet computer, watch, smart watch, orwearable device or computer, an implantable device or computer, an itemof jewelry, eyeglasses, or any accessory, or any combination of same, orany equivalent of same, which can be utilized by any person, individual,or entity, who or which utilizes the present invention. The personalmonitoring device can also be a server computer, a mainframe computer, amini-computer, a microcomputer, or any other computer or device forsuiting the needs of the particular user.

Any number of personal monitoring devices can be utilized by or inconjunction with the apparatus of the present invention. The personalmonitoring device can communicate, in a bi-directional manner and/orotherwise, with and/or can operate in conjunction with any theherein-described computers, communication devices, and/or computersystems described herein as being utilized in connection with theapparatus and method of the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention also includes a centralprocessing computer or central processing computer system, which can beany computer or computer system or can be a any computer utilized in anetwork with other computers or a server computer. The centralprocessing computer can provide control over the apparatus of thepresent invention and can perform any of the various processing servicesand/or functions described herein as being performed by same. Thecentral processing computer can be a single computer or a system ofcomputers and/or may include a plurality of computers or computersystems which are utilized in conjunction with one another. The centralprocessing computer can also provide personal monitoring services for orregarding any number of individuals and/or entities and/or can providepersonal monitoring services for or regarding any number of individualsand/or entities who or which need, want, or desire, to monitor, tomonitor the whereabouts of, and/or who or which desire to be notifiedregarding the whereabouts, location, healthcare status, or anyoccurrence of or regarding any event which may give rise to a need tofind, locate, and/or monitor a location of, any child, adult, elderlyperson, or any individual of any age.

Any number of central processing computers can be utilized by or inconjunction with the apparatus of the present invention. The centralprocessing computer(s) can communicate, in a bi-directional mannerand/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in conjunction with, thepersonal monitoring device and/or any of the other communicationdevices, computers, and/or computer systems, associated with or used byany of the individuals and/or entities who or which utilize theapparatus and method of the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention also includes a usercommunication device or computer which is associated with, or which canbe used by, any one or more of any of the herein-described users,individuals, or entities, who or which utilize the apparatus and methodof the present invention. Any number of user communication devices canbe utilized by or in conjunction with any user or any individual orentity who or which utilizes the apparatus and method of the presentinvention, and any number of user communication devices can be utilizedin conjunction with the apparatus and method of the present invention.

The user communication device(s) can communicate, in a bi-directionalmanner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in conjunction withthe personal monitoring device and/or the central processing computerand/or any of the other herein-described communication devices,computers, and/or computer systems, associated with or used by any ofthe individuals and/or entities who or which utilize the apparatus andmethod of the present invention.

The apparatus can also include a law enforcement communication device orcomputer which is associated with, or which can be used by, any lawenforcement agency or department which utilize the apparatus and methodof the present invention. Any number of law enforcement communicationdevices can be utilized by or in conjunction with any law enforcementagency or department which utilizes the apparatus and method of thepresent invention, and any number of law enforcement communicationdevices can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus and method ofthe present invention.

The law enforcement communication device(s) can communicate, in abi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate inconjunction with the personal monitoring device, the central processingcomputer, the user communication device, and/or any of the otherherein-described communication devices, computers, and/or computersystems, associated with or used by any of the individuals and/orentities who or which utilize the apparatus and method of the presentinvention.

The apparatus can also include an emergency services providercommunication device or computer which is associated with, or which canbe used by, any emergency services provider, agency, or department,which utilizes the apparatus and method of the present invention. Anynumber of emergency services provider communication devices can beutilized by or in conjunction with any emergency services provider,agency, or department, which utilizes the apparatus and method of thepresent invention, and any number of emergency services providercommunication devices can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatusand method of the present invention.

The emergency services provider communication device(s) can communicate,in a bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate inconjunction with the personal monitoring device, the central processingcomputer, the user communication device, the law enforcementcommunication device, and/or any of the other herein-describedcommunication devices, computers, and/or computer systems, associatedwith or used by any of the individuals and/or entities who or whichutilize the apparatus and method of the present invention.

The apparatus can also include a healthcare records computer orcommunication device which can store an electronic healthcare record orelectronic healthcare records for any of the herein-describedindividuals who or which can be monitored using the apparatus and methodof the present invention. The healthcare records computer can also storehealthcare records of any individual, children, adults, elderly persons,or any individual of any age, who is to be monitored by and using theapparatus and method of the present invention as well as any healthcarerecords of, for, or regarding, any relatives of any of theseindividuals.

The healthcare records computer or computers can serve to store andhouse an electronic healthcare record or any number of electronichealthcare records. The healthcare records computer can also be utilizedto facilitate cloud storage of any electronic healthcare record(s).

The healthcare records computer(s) can communicate, in a bi-directionalmanner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in conjunction with,the personal monitoring device, the central processing computer, theuser communication device, the law enforcement communication device, theemergency services provider communication device, and/or any of theother communication devices, computers, and/or computer systems,associated with or used by any of the individuals and/or entities who orwhich utilize and/or operate in conjunction with the apparatus of thepresent invention.

Any of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can be anycomputer or communication device, including, but not limited to, apersonal computer, a home computer, a server computer, or any computercapable of being utilized in a network or capable of being utilized withother computers in a network, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer,a laptop computer, a personal communication device, a cellulartelephone, a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a digitaltelevision, an interactive television, a digital television, a personaldigital assistant, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television, aninteractive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smartwatch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication device.

Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can transmitinformation to, as well as receive information from, any of thecomputers or communication devices described herein. In this regard,each of the computers or communication devices described herein cancommunicate with, process information from, and/or share data and/orinformation with, each other and/or any other computer(s) orcommunication device(s) described herein and/or utilized in conjunctionwith the apparatus of the present invention. In this manner, any of therespective computer(s) or communication device(s) described herein cancommunicate with any other computer(s) or communication device(s) in abi-directional manner.

The present invention can be utilized on, over, and/or via, the Internetand/or the World Wide Web and/or on any wireless communication networkand/or any cellular communication network. The present invention, in thepreferred embodiment, can also utilize wireless Internet and/or WorldWide Web services, equipment and/or devices. The central processingcomputer(s) can have a web site or web sites associated therewith. Eachof the other computers or communication devices described herein canalso have a web site or web sites associated with same.

Although the Internet and/or the World Wide Web is a preferredcommunication system and/or medium utilized, the present invention, inany and/or all of the embodiments described herein, can also be utilizedwith any appropriate communication network or system including, but notlimited to, a telecommunication network or system, a telephonecommunication network or system, a cellular communication network orsystem, a wireless communication network or system, a line or wiredcommunication network or system, a wireless Internet network or system,a wireless World Wide Web network or system, a digital communicationnetwork or system, a personal communication network or system, apersonal communication services (PCS) network or system, a satellitecommunication network or system, a broad band communication network orsystem, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network or system, a publicswitched telephone network or system, a telephone communication networkor system, a radio communication network or system, a cable televisionnetwork or system, and/or any other communication network or system,and/or any combination of the above communication networks or systems.

Any of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can communicatewith one another, and/or be linked to one another, over or via anycommunication network, telecommunication network, telephone network, aline-connected network, and/or a wireless communication network, and/orthe Internet and/or the World Wide Web. Each of the computers orcommunication devices can be linked with any other computer or computersdirectly or indirectly with one another so as to facilitate a direct orindirect bi-directional communication between said respective computersor communication devices. Communications between each of the computersor communication devices can also involve an e-mail server or e-mailservers in those instances when e-mails are described as being used totransmit or to send any of the information, signals, messages, reports,notification messages, or any other communications, described herein, byor between any of the computers or communication devices or when any ofthe information, signals, messages, reports, notification messages, orany other computers or communications, described herein, are transmittedby and/or between any of the parties described herein and/or by orbetween any of the computers or communication devices or any othercomputers or communication devices, computer systems, communicationnetwork equipment, server computers, etc., or any other devices used orneeded, in order to facilitate communications or the transmission of anyof the herein-described information, signals, messages, reports,notification messages, or any other communications.

Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can communicate ina bi-directional manner with, and/or can send and/or receive signals,data, information, messages, reports, notification messages, alerts, orany other communications or electronic communication transmissions, to,from and/or between, any other, or any number of, other personalmonitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s), the usercommunication device(s), the law enforcement communication device(s),the emergency services provider communication device(s), and/or thehealthcare records computer(s).

Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can be linked toor with any other personal monitoring device(s), the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s), via a wired linkor line or a wireless link. Each of the personal monitoring device(s),the user communication device(s), the law enforcement communicationdevice(s), the emergency services provider communication device(s),and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can be connected with, orlinked to or with, the central processing computer(s).

Any and/or all of the signals, data, information, messages, reports,notification messages, or any other communications, described herein asbeing transmitted from one device, computer, or communication device, toanother device, computer, or communication device, can be, or can beincluded in, or can be attached to, an e-mail message, an instantmessaging message, an electronic transmission, or an electronic datatransmission or electronic data interchange, or can be transmitted viaany other data or information transmission, and/or can be transmittedvia or using any appropriate or necessary computer(s) or device(s).

Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can transmit dataand/or information using TCP/IP, as well as any other Internet and/orWorld Wide Web, and/or communication, protocols.

The present invention can utilize electronic commerce technologies andsecurity methods, techniques and technologies, including any encryptionor security technologies and/or techniques, in any and/or all of theinstances of data and/or information processing, and/or data and/orinformation transmission described herein.

Any and/or all of the signals, data, information, messages, reports,notification messages, or any other communications, described herein asbeing transmitted from one device, computer, or communication device, toanother device, computer, or communication device, can be, or can beincluded in, or can be attached to, an e-mail message, an instantmessaging message, an electronic transmission, or an electronic datatransmission or electronic data interchange, or can be transmitted viaany other data or information transmission, and/or can be transmittedvia or using any appropriate or necessary computer(s) or device(s).

Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can transmit dataand/or information using TCP/IP, as well as any other Internet and/orWorld Wide Web, and/or communication, protocols.

The present invention can utilize electronic commerce technologies andsecurity methods, techniques and technologies, including any encryptionor security technologies and/or techniques, in any and/or all of theinstances of data and/or information processing, and/or data and/orinformation transmission described herein.

The personal monitoring device can be a cellular telephone, a wirelesstelephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, or a personaldigital assistant, or the personal monitoring device can be or can be acomponent of a personal computer, a home computer, a laptop computer, anotebook computer, a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, apalmtop computer, a personal communication device, a cellular telephone,a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, apersonal digital assistant, a digital television, an interactivetelevision, a digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone, atelevision, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watchor a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communicationdevice. The personal monitoring device can also be a server computer, orany computer capable of being utilized in a network or capable of beingutilized with other computers in a network

The personal monitoring device can also be any communication device,computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer,Smartphone or smartphone, smart telephone, cellular telephone, personaldigital assistant, tablet, tablet computer, watch, smart watch, orwearable device or computer, an implantable device or computer, an itemof jewelry, eyeglasses, or any accessory, or any combination of same, orany equivalent of same.

The personal monitoring device includes a central processing unit or CPUwhich can be a microprocessor. The CPU can also be a microcomputer, aminicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, dependingupon the application.

The personal monitoring device also includes a random access memorydevice(s) (RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM), each of which isconnected to, or linked with, the CPU, and a user input device forinputting and/or entering data and/or information and/or instructionsand/or commands into the personal monitoring device. The input device(s)can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The personal monitoring device can also include a display device fordisplaying data and/or information to a user or operator. The displaydevice can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The personalmonitoring device can also include a transmitter(s) for transmittingsignals and/or data and/or information to any one or more of the centralprocessing computer(s), the user communication device(s), the lawenforcement communication device(s), the emergency services providercommunication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),and/or any other personal monitoring device(s) which may be utilized inconjunction with the present invention. The transmitter(s) can also beconnected to, or linked with, the CPU. The personal monitoring devicealso includes a receiver(s) for receiving signals and/or data and/orinformation from any one or more of the central processing computer(s),the user communication device(s), the law enforcement communicationdevice(s), the emergency services provider communication device(s),and/or the healthcare records computer(s), and/or any other personalmonitoring device(s) which may be utilized in conjunction with thepresent invention. The receiver(s) can also be connected to, or linkedwith, the CPU.

The personal monitoring device also includes a database(s) which canalso be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The personal monitoringdevice can also include an output device(s) for outputting any of thedata, information, and/or reports, described herein as being generatedby or via the personal monitoring device. The output device(s) can alsobe connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The personal monitoring device can also include a video and/or audiorecording device(s) which can include a camera and/or a video recordingdevice for recording pictures or video and/or video clips and/or amicrophone or an audio recording device for recording audio or audioclips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by or from thepersonal monitoring device, or which can be recorded by, and stored ator in, the personal monitoring device for transmission by or from thepersonal monitoring device at a later time. The video and/or audiorecording device(s) 10J can also be connected to, or linked with, theCPU.

The personal monitoring device can also include a global positioningsystem (GPS) device which can be utilized to determine or ascertain thelocation or position of the personal monitoring device at any timeand/or to track movement of the personal monitoring device. The globalpositioning system (GPS) device can also be connected to, or linkedwith, the CPU.

The personal monitoring device can also include device functionalequipment systems or devices which can include any necessarycommunications systems or devices which are typically found in cellulartelephones or wireless telephones and/or which can allow the personalmonitoring device to function as a cellular telephone or a wirelesstelephone. The functional equipment systems or devices can also includea global positioning system (GPS) device which can be utilized todetermine or ascertain the location or position of the personalmonitoring device at any time and which can be also be used to trackmovement of the personal monitoring device.

The functional equipment systems or devices can also include navigationequipment or devices which are typically found in navigation devices orequipment and which an be utilized to allow the personal monitoringdevice to function and/or to operate as a GPS equipped navigationdevice. The personal monitoring device can function as a stand alonenavigation device, meaning that it can perform any and/or all needed anddesired navigation tasks and functions without any interaction with anexternal computer or device, and/or without having to access a computerover any communication network in order to obtain navigation data,information, and/or instructions, for providing navigation data,information, and/or instructions, to a user of the personal monitoringdevice.

The functional equipment systems or devices can also include a “kill”switch or associated hardware and/or software for disabling and/ordeactivating the personal monitoring device in instances when same mightbe lost or stolen, so as to prevent its use by another person and/or toprevent any access to any data and/or information stored therein,thereby rendering the personal monitoring device useless to anotherperson after being reported, or discovered as being, lost or stolen.

The personal monitoring device can also operate in conjunction with anexternal computer or device in order to obtain navigation data,information, and/or instructions, so as to provide same to a user of thepersonal monitoring device. The personal monitoring device can alsoprocess navigation data, information, and/or instructions, on its own aswell as receive at least some navigation data, information, and/orinstructions, from an external computer or device, in order to providenavigation data, information, and/or instructions, to a user of thepersonal monitoring device. The functional equipment systems or devicescan also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The functional equipment systems or devices can also include anycombination of hardware and/or software for disabling the on/off switchof the personal monitoring device, so that the personal monitoringdevice cannot be shut-off, or so that no operation or function of thepersonal monitoring device can be terminated, and/or so that a telephonecall, a telephone communication link, or a communication line or link,cannot be turned off or terminated, by or at the personal communicationdevice. In this regard, in the case of an emergency, no telephone calland/or communication line or link between the personal monitoring deviceand any user communication device(s), the or any central processingcomputer(s), the or any law enforcement communication device(s), the orany emergency services provider communication device(s), and/or the orany healthcare records computer(s), can be terminated at or by thepersonal monitoring device, so that a communication line, link, orchannel can always be maintained with the personal monitoring device.

The functional equipment systems or devices can also include anycombination of hardware and/or software for allowing the personalmonitoring device and any components or devices therein or associatedtherewith to be remotely accessed, controlled, and/or monitored, by orusing any authorized user communication device used by an authorizeduser or individual, the or any central processing computer(s), the orany law enforcement communication device(s), the or any emergencyservices provider communication device(s), and/or the or any healthcarerecords computer(s).

The personal monitoring device can be, or can be implemented in or with,a cellular telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, or a personal digitalassistant, which can be equipped with all of the necessary hardware andsoftware needed to perform all of the functions and functionalitydescribed herein as being performed by the personal monitoring device ofthe present invention. The personal monitoring device can also bedesigned to be of any size or shape, and/or the personal monitoringdevice can be implemented using a watch, a wristwatch, an necklace, abracelet, a ring, or any other article of jewelry, of the personalmonitoring device can be secured to a belt, a necklace, a bracelet,eyeglasses, a watch, a wristwatch, and/or can be attached to, securedto, or placed inside or within, any article of clothing, a jacket, acoat, a shirt, a blouse, a dress, a skirt, a pair of pants, shoes,sneakers, boots, a hat, gloves, socks, stockings, a tie, a scarf, or anyother wearable item or accessory. In this regard, and depending of theuse, application, or deployment, of the personal monitoring device inany given setting or situation, the personal monitoring device can bedesigned and/or configures to be of any size, shape, type, or kind, ofdevice.

The personal monitoring device can include a housing, a display screenwhich can be any type or display screen and/or a touch screen and/or canbe utilized to view and to input data, information, messages, orinstructions. The display screen can also include a display section anda keyboard section. The keyboard section can be called upon when neededand can also be dispensed with when not being used so as to facilitatethe use of the entirety of the display screen when desired.

The personal monitoring device can also be equipped with a flashlight, aflashlight bulb, or with any suitable software application which canturn the display screen, or any portion of the display screen, into aflashlight. In this regard, the personal monitoring device can beequipped with a flashlight or a flashlight functionality.

The personal monitoring device can also be equipped with a strobe lightor with any suitable software application which can turn the displayscreen, or any portion of the display screen, into a strobe light. Inthis regard, the personal monitoring device can be equipped with astrobe light or a strobe light functionality.

The personal monitoring device can also include one or more microphoneswhich can be located on one or more, or on any or all surfaces of thepersonal monitoring device in order to allow for any user or otherindividual to utilize the personal monitoring device to communicate withothers, to allow others to monitor audio and/or sounds at or in thevicinity of the personal monitoring device, and/or to allow one to use,control an operation of, to enter voice commands into, and/or to recordaudio information or an audio clip with and/or using, the personalmonitoring device, and/or to allow one to simply utilize the personalmonitoring device to communicate with another individual or entity in ahand-free mode of operation. Any number of microphones can be utilizedin connection with the personal monitoring device.

The personal monitoring device can also include one or more speakerswhich can be located on one or more, or on any or all, surfaces of thepersonal monitoring device in order to provide audible data,information, instructions, or communications, to any user, or individualwho may be using, or who may be in the vicinity of, the personalmonitoring device.

The personal monitoring device can also include one or more cameraswhich can be located on one or more, or on any or all, surfaces of thepersonal monitoring device in order to take or record a picture, aphotograph, or an image, and/or to record video information or a videoclip, with the personal monitoring device, to record a picture, aphotograph, or an image, and/or to record video information or a videoclip, of a user of the personal monitoring device or any individualusing the personal monitoring device or in the vicinity of the personalmonitoring device, to record a picture, a photograph, or an image,and/or to record video information or a video clip, of a vicinity inwhich the personal monitoring device is located or of a surrounding ofsame, and/or to allow a user or any individual to engage in a videoconference or video chat with another individual or other individualsusing the personal monitoring device.

Any one or more cameras can be a wide angle lens camera or a camerahaving a wide angle lens for obtaining maximum viewing area. Any one ormore cameras can also be a night vision camera, an infrared camera, or acamera equipped with, or utilized in connection with, night visioncapability.

The personal monitoring device can include a plurality of indicatorlights, one of which can be used to provide an indication that the userof the personal monitoring device is located with a “safe” zone oftravel and the other which can be used to provide an indication that theuser of the personal monitoring device is located outside of a “safe”zone of travel, is lost, is ill, is possibly the victim of foul play, oris otherwise in need of help or assistance. An indicator light which isused to indicate the that user in within his or her “safe” zone can bean green light when illuminated, and an indicator light which is used toindicate the that the user outside his or her “safe” zone of travel, islost, is ill, is possibly the victim of foul play, or is otherwise inneed of help or assistance, can be a red light when illuminated.Indicator lights can also be provided via the display screen or in orvia a portion or section of the display screen.

The personal monitoring device can include any suitable attachmentdevice or element (not shown) which is attached or connected to, orlinked with, the housing and/or the personal monitoring device and whichcan be used to secure, to mount, or to otherwise attach, the personalmonitoring device to, on, or in, a belt, an article of clothing, awatch, a wristwatch, a necklace, a bracelet, eyeglasses, an accessory ofany type or kind, a jacket, a coat, a shirt, a blouse, a dress, a skirt,a pair of pants, shoes, sneakers, boots, a hat, gloves, socks,stockings, a tie, a scarf, or any other wearable item or accessory.

The personal monitoring device, its housing, and its various componentparts described herein, can be constructed or rugged materials in orderto protect the personal monitoring device against impacts. In apreferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device, its housing, andits various component parts described herein, can also be sealed, in anyappropriate manner, so as to provide for a personal monitoring devicewhich can be waterproof. The personal monitoring device can also bedesigned and manufactured to as to include any suitable or buoyantmaterial(s) which can allow the personal monitoring device to float onwater. The housing, or any portion or component of same, can alsoinclude made with or from, or can contain a phosphorescent material sothat the housing, or any portion of the housing, of the personalmonitoring device can glow-in-the dark or otherwise exhibitglow-in-the-dark or luminescent properties.

The central processing computer can be any computer capable ofperforming the functionality of the central processing computer asdescribed herein, a server computer, a computer system, a group ofcomputers, a computer which can function in a network of and with othercomputers, or any other computer or communication device which canprovide the functionality of, and which can be utilized as, a centralprocessing computer. The central processing computer can also be anysuitable server computer or server computer system, a cloud computer orcloud computer system, or a computer or computer system which canoperate in a network of and with other computers or computer systems.The central processing computer can also be an Internet server computerand/or a web site server computer.

The central processing computer includes a central processing unit orCPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can also be a microcomputer,a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, dependingupon the application.

The central processing computer also includes a random access memorydevice(s) RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM), each of which isconnected to, or linked with, the CPU, and a user input device forinputting and/or entering data and/or information and/or instructionsand/or commands into the central processing computer. The inputdevice(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The centralprocessing computer can also include a display device for displayingdata and/or information to a user or operator. The display device canalso be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The central processing computer can also include a transmitter(s) fortransmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or moreof the personal monitoring device(s), the user communication device(s),the law enforcement communication device(s), the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare recordscomputer(s), and/or any other central processing computer(s), which maybe utilized in conjunction with the present invention. Thetransmitter(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. Thecentral processing computer can also include a receiver(s) for receivingsignals and/or data and/or information from any one or more of thepersonal monitoring device(s), the user communication device(s), the lawenforcement communication device(s), the emergency services providercommunication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),and/or any other central processing computer(s), which may be utilizedin conjunction with the present invention. The receiver(s) can also beconnected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The central processing computer also includes a database(s) which cancontain and/or include any and/or all of the data and/or informationneeded or desired for or by the central processing computer to performall of the operations, actions, functions, and/or functionality,described herein as being provided by, and/or as being performed by, thecentral processing computer and/or the apparatus of the presentinvention. The database(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, theCPU.

The central processing computer can also include an output device(s) foroutputting any of the data, information, messages and/or reports,described herein as being generated by or via the central processingcomputer. The output device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with,the CPU.

The central processing computer can also include a video and/or audiorecording device(s) which can include a camera and/or a video recordingdevice for recording pictures or video and/or video clips and/or amicrophone or an audio recording device for recording audio or audioclips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by or from thecentral processing computer, or which can be recorded by, and stored ator in, the central processing computer for transmission by or from thecentral processing computer at a later time. The video and/or audiorecording device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The user communication device can be a personal computer, a homecomputer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, atablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a personalcommunication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, amobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a personal digitalassistant, a digital television, an interactive television, a digitaltelevision, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television, aninteractive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smartwatch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication device. Theuser communication device 30 can also be a server computer, or anycomputer capable of being utilized in a network or capable of beingutilized with other computers in a network.

The user communication device includes a central processing unit or CPUwhich can be a microprocessor. The CPU can also be a microcomputer, aminicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, dependingupon the application. The user communication device also includes arandom access memory device(s) (RAM), a read only memory device(s)(ROM), each of which can be connected to, or linked with, the CPU, and auser input device for inputting and/or entering data and/or informationand/or instructions and/or commands into the user communication device.The input device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The user communication device can also include a display device fordisplaying data and/or information to a user or operator. The displaydevice can be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The usercommunication device can also include a transmitter(s) for transmittingsignals and/or data and/or information to any one or more of thepersonal monitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s), thelaw enforcement communication device(s), the emergency services providercommunication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),and/or any other user communication device(s), which may be utilized inconjunction with the present invention. The transmitter(s) can also beconnected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The user communication device can also include a receiver(s) forreceiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one or more ofthe personal monitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s),the law enforcement communication device(s), the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare recordscomputer(s), and/or any other user communication device(s), which may beutilized in conjunction with the present invention. The receiver(s) canalso be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The user communication device can also include a database(s) which canalso be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The user communicationdevice can also include an output device(s) for outputting any of thedata, information, and/or reports, described herein as being generatedby or via the user communication device. The output device(s) can alsobe connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The user communication device can also includes a video and/or audiorecording device(s) which can include a camera and/or a video recordingdevice for recording pictures or video and/or video clips and/or amicrophone or an audio recording device for recording audio or audioclips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by or from theuser communication device, or which can be recorded by, and stored at orin, the user communication device for transmission by or from the usercommunication device at a later time. The video and/or audio recordingdevice(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The user communication device can also include a “kill” switch orassociated hardware and/or software for disabling and/or deactivatingthe user communication device in instances when same might be lost orstolen, so as to prevent its use by another person and/or to prevent anyaccess to any data and/or information stored therein, thereby renderingthe user communication device 30 useless to another person after beingreported, or being discovered, as being lost or stolen.

The law enforcement communication device can be a personal computer, ahome computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tabletcomputer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a personalcommunication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, amobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a personal digitalassistant, a digital television, an interactive television, a digitaltelevision, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television, aninteractive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smartwatch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication device. Thelaw enforcement communication device 40 can also be a server computer,or any computer capable of being utilized in a network or capable ofbeing utilized with other computers in a network.

The law enforcement communication device includes a central processingunit or CPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can also be amicrocomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframecomputer, depending upon the application.

The law enforcement communication device also includes a random accessmemory device(s) (RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM), each ofwhich is also connected to, or linked with, the CPU, and a user inputdevice for inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/orinstructions and/or commands into the law enforcement communicationdevice. The input device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with,the CPU.

The law enforcement communication device can also include a displaydevice for displaying data and/or information to a user or operator andwhich can also be connected to, or linked with, CPU. The law enforcementcommunication device can also include a transmitter(s) for transmittingsignals and/or data and/or information to any one or more of thepersonal monitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s), theuser communication device(s), the emergency services providercommunication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),and/or any other the law enforcement communication device(s) which maybe utilized in conjunction with the present invention. Thetransmitter(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. Thelaw enforcement communication device can also include a receiver(s) forreceiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one or more ofthe personal monitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s),the user communication device(s), the emergency services providercommunication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),and/or any other law enforcement communication device(s) which may beutilized in conjunction with the present invention. The receiver(s) canalso be connected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A.

The law enforcement communication device can also include a database(s)which also can be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The lawenforcement communication device can also include an output device(s)for outputting any of the data, information, and/or reports, describedherein as being generated by or via the law enforcement communicationdevice(s).

The law enforcement communication device can also includes a videoand/or audio recording device(s) which can include a camera and/or avideo recording device for recording pictures or video and/or videoclips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device for recordingaudio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live,by or from the law enforcement communication device, or which can berecorded by, and stored at or in, the law enforcement communicationdevice for transmission by or from the law enforcement communicationdevice at a later time.

The emergency services provider communication device can be a personalcomputer, a home computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, atablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, apersonal communication device, a cellular telephone, a wirelesstelephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a personaldigital assistant, a digital television, an interactive television, adigital television, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television, aninteractive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smartwatch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication device. Theemergency services provider communication device can also be a servercomputer or any other computer capable of being utilized in a network.

The emergency services provider communication device includes a centralprocessing unit or CPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can alsobe a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframecomputer, depending upon the application. The emergency servicesprovider communication device also includes a random access memorydevice(s) (RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM), each of can beconnected to, or linked with, the CPU, and a user input device forinputting and/or entering data and/or information and/or instructionsand/or commands into the emergency services provider communicationdevice.

The emergency services provider communication device can also include adisplay device for displaying data and/or information to a user oroperator. The display device can also be connected to, or linked with,the CPU. The emergency services provider communication device can alsoinclude a transmitter(s) for transmitting signals and/or data and/orinformation to any one or more of the personal monitoring device(s), thecentral processing computer(s), the user communication device(s), thelaw enforcement communication device(s), and/or the healthcare recordscomputer(s), and/or any other emergency services provider communicationdevice(s), which may be utilized in conjunction with the presentinvention. The transmitter(s) can also be connected to, or linked with,the CPU. The emergency services provider communication device(s) canalso include a receiver(s), for receiving signals and/or data and/orinformation from any one or more of the personal monitoring device(s),the central processing computer(s), the user communication device(s),law enforcement communication device(s), and/or the healthcare recordscomputer(s), and/or any other the emergency services providercommunication device(s), which may be utilized in conjunction with thepresent invention. The receiver(s) can also be connected to, or linkedwith, the CPU.

The emergency services provider communication device can also include adatabase(s) which can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. Theemergency services provider communication device can also include anoutput device(s) for outputting any of the data, information, and/orreports, described herein as being generated by or via the emergencyservices provider communication device. The output device(s) can also beconnected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The emergency services provider communication device 50 can also includea video and/or audio recording device(s) which can include a cameraand/or a video recording device for recording pictures or video and/orvideo clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device forrecording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/ortransmitted live, by or from the emergency services providercommunication device, or which can be recorded by, and stored at or in,the emergency services provider communication device for transmission byor from the emergency services provider communication device at a latertime. The video and/or audio recording device(s) can also be connectedto, or linked with, the CPU.

The healthcare records computer can also be any computer or computersystem, or any group of computers. The healthcare records computer canalso be a personal computer, a home computer, a laptop computer, anotebook computer, a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, apalmtop computer, a personal communication device, a cellular telephone,a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, apersonal digital assistant, a digital television, an interactivetelevision, a digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone, atelevision, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watchor a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communicationdevice. The healthcare records computer can also be server computer orany computer capable of being utilized in a network.

The healthcare records computer includes a central processing unit orCPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can also be a microcomputer,a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, dependingupon the application.

The healthcare records computer can also include a random access memorydevice(s) (RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM), each of which canbe connected to, or linked with, the CPU, and a user input device forinputting and/or entering data and/or information and/or instructionsand/or commands into the healthcare records computer and which can alsobe connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The healthcare records computer can also include a display device fordisplaying data and/or information to a user or operator and which analso be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The healthcare recordscomputer can also include a transmitter(s) for transmitting signalsand/or data and/or information to any one or more of the personalmonitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s), the usercommunication device(s), the law enforcement communication device(s),the emergency services provider communication device(s), and/or anyother healthcare records computer(s), which may be utilized inconjunction with the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, thetransmitter(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. Thehealthcare records computer can also include a receiver(s) for receivingsignals and/or data and/or information from any one or more of thepersonal monitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s), theuser communication device(s), the law enforcement communicationdevice(s), the emergency services provider communication device(s),and/or any other healthcare records computer(s), which may be utilizedin conjunction with the present invention. In the preferred embodiment,the receiver(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. Thehealthcare records computer can also include a database(s) which canalso be CPU.

The healthcare records computer can also include an output device(s) foroutputting any of the data, information, and/or reports, describedherein as being generated by or via the healthcare records computerwhich can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The healthcare records computer can also include a video and/or audiorecording device(s) which can include a camera and/or a video recordingdevice for recording pictures or video and/or video clips and/or amicrophone or an audio recording device for recording audio or audioclips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by or from thehealthcare records computer, or which can be recorded by, and stored ator in, the healthcare records computer for transmission by or from thehealthcare records computer at a later time. The video and/or audiorecording device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized tomonitor an individual or individuals of any age and, therefore, can beutilized to monitor any child, infant, teenager or young adult, adult ofany age, and/or elderly individual. The apparatus and method of thepresent invention can also be utilized to monitor any child, infant,teenager or young adult, adult of any age, and/or elderly individual,who may or may not be inflicted with a condition, illness, or disease,or who may or may not be inflicted with autism, Alzheimer's disease,memory loss, or be ill with any temporary or permanent illness,sickness, disease, or condition. The apparatus and method of the presentinvention can also be utilized to monitor any child, infant, teenager oryoung adult, adult of any age, and/or elderly individual, as a safetyprecaution.

Any user or individual who utilizes a personal monitoring device, or whohas a personal monitoring device assigned to him or her, or who has apersonal monitoring device associated with him or her, can be referredto herein, or can be defined herein as being, a “monitored individual”.Any user or individual who utilizes a user communication device tomonitor a monitored individual can be referred to herein, or can bedefined herein as being, a “monitoring individual”.

It is envisioned that any personal monitoring device can be programmedwith, or can have stored therein or therewith, information regarding themonitored individual's home address, residence address, school residenceaddress or place, workplace address, or other address, place, orlocation, which is considered to be that monitored individual's place ofsafety or “home base” or “safe location”. It is also envisioned that anypersonal monitoring device can be programmed with, or have storedtherein or therewith, information regarding any address(es), place(s),or location(s), to which the monitored individual typically travels on adaily basis. For example, the personal monitoring device 10 can beprogrammed with, or have stored therein or therewith, informationregarding the monitored individual's school address, place, or location,workplace address, place, or location, employment address, place, orlocation, activity or event address, place, or location, or any otheraddress, place, or location, to which the monitored individual is knownto travel on a weekday basis, on a weekend daily basis, or on any dailybasis.

The personal monitoring device can also be programmed with the monitoredindividual's travel itineraries and/or travel schedules for traveling toand between one address, place, or location to another address, place,or location. The personal monitoring device can also be programmed withtravel routes or directions for traveling to and between one address,place, or location to another address, place, or location. The personalmonitoring device can also be programmed with software programs,navigation programs, or any algorithms or software applications, foridentifying, determining, ascertaining, or calculating, any travelroutes or directions for traveling to and between one address, place, orlocation to another address, place, or location.

The personal monitoring device an be utilized in connection with, or inconjunction with, the apparatus, the central processing computer, a usercommunication device associated with, or used by, any user or individualauthorized to, or assigned to, monitor the monitored individual, any lawenforcement communication device, and/or any emergency services providercommunication device. The personal monitoring device can also beutilized as a stand-alone device by the monitored individual to allowthe monitored individual to monitor his or her travels, whereabouts, orenvironment.

The personal monitoring device can be activated to operate so as todetermine, ascertain, and/or monitor, a monitored individual's locationor whereabouts. Depending upon the time of the particular day and theschedule of the monitored individual, the personal monitoring device candetermine the monitored individual's position or location and candetermine such to be at an address, place, or location, where themonitored individual should be at that particular time.

The personal monitoring device can also detect the movements of amonitored individual and can identify a travel route for the monitoredindividual. The personal monitoring device can also detect when amonitored individual has deviated from a travel route, or has gone offcourse from a travel route. Upon detecting that the monitored individualhas deviated from the travel route, or has gone off course from thetravel route, the personal monitoring device can perform any one or moreof a number of functions in response to the detection of the monitoredindividual deviating from the travel route.

The personal monitoring device can generate a travel route deviationmessage which can contain and/or include the time and/or place,position, or location, when and/or where the monitored individualdeviated from or left the travel route and the monitored individual'scurrent place, position, or location. The travel route deviation messagecan also include information regarding the portion of the monitoredindividual's itinerary associated with the travel route from which themonitored individual has deviated

The personal monitoring device can also obtain, determine, read, orrecord, any physiological or healthcare information regarding themonitored individual such as, for example, but not limited to, themonitored individual's heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, bodytemperature, blood sugar level, or any other healthcare information orhealthcare-related data and/or information, or any other physicalcondition, physiological condition, or healthcare condition, which canbe measured or measurable by any wearable device or by any implanteddevice or implantable device which can be obtained by or using any ofthe respective and herein-described devices, equipment, monitors, ormeasurement devices, which can be wearable or non-wearable and/or whichcan be connected to or with, or wirelessly linked to or with thepersonal monitoring device. Any data and/or information obtainedregarding any of the herein-described data and/or information can alsobe included in the travel route deviation message.

The travel route deviation message can also contain and/or include thetemperature of the environment in which the monitored individual islocated, which can be exterior temperature if the monitored individualand the personal monitoring device is located outdoors, or an interiortemperature if the monitored individual and the personal monitoringdevice are located indoors.

The personal monitoring device can also automatically transmit thetravel route deviation message to the user communication device which isused by, associated with, or assigned to, the monitoring individual forthe monitored individual. The personal monitoring device can alsogenerate and transmit updated travel route deviation messages at anypre-determined or pre-selected time intervals.

Travel route deviation messages can also be transmitted from thepersonal monitoring device to the central processing computer, so as toreport the monitored individual's travel route deviation to the centralprocessing computer and to any company or entity which operates same.The personal monitoring device can also automatically transmit thetravel route deviation message to the law enforcement communicationdevices of or associated with each law enforcement agency or departmentassociated with the city, town, municipality, or political subdivision,in which the monitored individual was detected as having deviated fromthe travel route, as well as to each law enforcement communicationdevice(s) of or associated with any neighboring cities, towns,municipalities, or political subdivisions. The personal monitoringdevice can also automatically transmit the travel route deviationmessage to the emergency services provider communication device of orassociated with the emergency services provider agency or department ofor for the city, town, municipality, or political subdivision, in whichthe monitored individual was detected as having deviated from the travelroute, as well as to each emergency services provider communicationdevice of or associated with any neighboring cities, towns,municipalities, or political subdivisions.

The personal monitoring device can also initiate a cellular or wirelesstelephone call to the user communication of the monitoring individual.If more than one monitoring individuals are associated with themonitored individual, then the personal monitoring device can initiate acellular or wireless telephone call, and/or a telephone conference call,to and/or so as to include the monitored individual and all monitoringindividuals for the monitored individual. The personal monitoring devicecan also initiate a cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or atelephone conference call, to and/or so as to include at least onemonitoring individual and a law enforcement officer or individual, viaand/or by including a respective law enforcement communication device,and/or an emergency services provider individual or person via and/or byincluding an emergency services provider communication device.

The cellular or wireless telephone call can be made so as to put themonitored individual into live contact with, and/or into livecommunication with, the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals,and/or so as to put the monitored individual and the monitoringindividual or monitoring individuals into live contact with, and/or intolive communication with, law enforcement personnel and/or emergencyservices personnel.

Once the cellular or wireless telephone call and/or any conference lineinvolving the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals, and/orany law enforcement law enforcement personnel and/or emergency servicespersonnel, has been made and, with the call line and/or conference linebeing live and/or on-going, the personal monitoring device cande-activate the personal monitoring device's telephone call on/offswitch, or on/off switch functionality, on or in the personal monitoringdevice so that the personal monitoring device cannot be disconnectedfrom the telephone call and/or the conference line. Any herein-describedde-activation of the telephone call on/off switch, or on/off switchfunctionality, of the personal monitoring device can be effectuated byusing, and/or by programming the personal monitoring device, with orusing any appropriate and/or suitable software program, algorithm, orsoftware application. The personal monitoring device can also beprogrammed and/or equipped so as to detect being disconnected from, ordropped from, the telephone call and/or conference call, and canautomatically re-connect to the telephone call and/or to the conferencecall. Any of the herein-described personal monitoring device(s), usercommunication device(s), law enforcement communication device(s), and/oran emergency services provider communication device(s), can be equippedwith long lasting batteries or power sources, external batteries orpower sources, and/or any other supplemental batteries or power sources,so as to ensure that sufficient electrical power is available and can besupplied to any of the herein-described personal monitoring device(s),user communication device(s), law enforcement communication device(s),and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s).

The herein-described functionality of establishing a cellular orwireless telephone call, and/or conference call, can allow the monitoredindividual to be brought into, and to be maintained in, live contactwith and/or live communication with, his or her monitoring individual orone or more monitoring individuals, and/or with any number of lawenforcement personal and/or emergency services personnel. In thismanner, the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals, and/or anylaw enforcement personnel and/or emergency services personnel, can speakwith the monitored individual, can comfort or reassure the monitoredindividual that all will be okay, and/or can ascertain the monitoredindividual's whereabouts, while the monitored individual my be lost oroff track. The personal monitoring device can also activate aspeakerphone, and/or any speakers and/or microphone, of same for and/orduring the cellular or wireless telephone call and/or conference call.

The personal monitoring device can also activate any camera, any videorecording device or equipment, any microphone, or any audio recordingdevice, of same, and/or any device or equipment of the video and/oraudio recording device(s) of same, for and/or during the cellular orwireless telephone call and/or conference call.

The personal monitoring device can activate one or more indicator lightson the personal monitoring device which can be used to indicate that themonitored individual is outside of his or her “safe” zone of travel aswell as indicate when the monitored individual is inside or within hisor her “safe” zone.

The personal monitoring device can also activate any camera, any videorecording device or equipment, any microphone, or any audio recordingdevice, of same, and/or any device or equipment of the video and/oraudio recording device(s) of same, for obtaining pictures, videoinformation, video clips, audio information, or audio clips, of themonitored individual, or any individual's or person who or may come intocontact with the monitored individual, and/or of any of the monitoredindividual's surroundings, environment, or location. Any pictures, videoinformation, video clips, audio information, or audio clips, recorded byand at the personal monitoring device can be transmitted to, and storedby or in, each of the user communication device of the monitoringindividual, each user communication device of each monitoringindividual, the central processing computer, or any law enforcementcommunication device(s), and/or an emergency services providercommunication device(s).

The personal monitoring device can also track the monitored individual'smovements and can generate tracking update messages at any pre-selectedtime interval(s), containing information regarding the monitoredindividual's location(s), movement(s), and speed of travel or movement.The personal monitoring device, as well as the central processingcomputer(s), the user communication(s), the law enforcementcommunication device(s), and/or the emergency services providercommunication device(s), can be equipped with software to calculate orotherwise determine the monitored individual's speed of movement. Inthis manner, depending on the speed of movement of the monitoredindividual, it can be determined if the monitored individual istraveling in or on a vehicle or is traveling on foot. The trackingupdate messages can be automatically transmitted, at periodic timeintervals, from the personal monitoring device to the usercommunication(s) of the monitoring individual(s), and/or, or as well as,to the central processing computer(s), the user communication(s), thelaw enforcement communication device(s), and/or the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s).

Information regarding the monitored individual's movement can bedisplayed and/or tracked on or via a digital or satellite map which canbe displayed on the display device of the respective usercommunication(s), the central processing computer(s), the lawenforcement communication device(s), and/or the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s). Information regarding the monitoredindividual's movement can also be displayed and/or tracked on or via adigital or satellite map which can be displayed on the display screen ofthe personal monitoring device.

The personal monitoring device can also activate a homing beacon orbeacon of the personal monitoring device. The homing beacon or beacon ofthe personal monitoring device can transmit or provide a signal, adistress signal, or any other indication, which can be utilized inconnection with a corresponding receiver to track and/or to “home” in onor locate the monitored individual.

The personal monitoring device can also play any pre-recorded messagesor video clips or audio clips, which messages, video clips, or audioclips, to the monitored individual via the display screen and speakers.The personal monitoring device can also provide information, and/or alink to information, regarding or contained in the healthcare records ofthe monitored individual. The personal monitoring device can alsoprovide information regarding any instructions or directions for guidingthe monitored individual back onto his or her travel route.

At any time, the user communication device, or any user or operator ofany other computer or communication device described herein, cangenerate and/or can transmit a control signal to the personal monitoringdevice in order to enable, disable, activate, de-activate, control anoperation of, or monitor an operation of, the personal monitoring deviceand/or any component, system, device, or equipment, of same.

A personal monitoring account can be created or established for anymonitored individual with whom the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized.

The operation of the apparatus of the present invention and/or thepersonal monitoring device can also be triggered by, or can be activatedby or in response to the actions of, a monitoring individual. Amonitoring individual can utilize a software application or a software“app” in order to determine the position or location of the monitoredindividual. The software application or software “app” can be capable ofdetermining the position or location of the monitored individual at anytime and/or on demand by the monitoring individual. The monitoringindividual can also perform a “pinging” operation in order to utilize acommunications services provider or any other suitably equipped entityin order to “ping” or determine the position or location of themonitored individual. If the monitored individual is determined to be atan unexpected or unapproved place or location, or has deviated from anappropriate travel route at that point or instant in time, themonitoring individual can activate the apparatus and can utilize same tofind or locate, or otherwise provide assistance to, the monitoredindividual.

The apparatus of the present invention and/or the personal monitoringdevice can also be utilized to record information regarding anyincidents of bullying, harassment, criminal acts, or any otheractivities or events, perpetrated on, inflicted upon, or occurringinvolving the monitored individual and/or occurring in the vicinity ofthe monitored individual. The personal monitoring device can beactivated to record audio information and/or video information regardingthe event or the occurrence, the position or location of same, date andtime of same, and/or any other pertinent information regarding samewhich can be obtained by, with, or using, the personal monitoringdevice. A monitored individual can manually activate the personalmonitoring device and/or the personal monitoring device can be equippedwith voice activation equipment and/or hardware and/or software and canbe activated to record any information regarding an event or occurrenceby, or in response to, a voice activation command. Any data and/orinformation recorded can be stored in the database of the personalmonitoring device and/or can be transmitted to the user communicationdevice(s) of or associated with the monitoring individual, the centralprocessing computer, and/or to any one of more law enforcementcommunication devices and/or emergency services provider communicationdevices, for reporting and for storing as evidence.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized inorder to provide and support comprehensive personal monitoring servicesof a global nature for individuals of any age. The apparatus and methodof the present invention can also be utilized in order to provide andsupport comprehensive personal monitoring services of a global naturefor individuals of any age and regardless of whether or not they haveany conditions, illnesses, sicknesses, disabilities, or healthconditions. The present invention can also be utilized to provide andservice personal monitoring accounts for any number of individuals, withsuch personal monitoring accounts facilitating the providing of personalmonitoring services by and/or involving any number of various monitoringservices providers, security services provider, healthcare providers,healthcare insurers, healthcare records service providers, and/orhealthcare payers, and/or law enforcement agencies and/or departments,and/or emergency services providers agencies and/or departments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention, in blockdiagram form;

FIG. 2 illustrates the personal monitoring device of FIG. 1, in blockdiagram form;

FIG. 3 illustrates the personal monitoring device of FIG. 1 in athree-dimensional perspective view;

FIG. 4 illustrates the central processing computer of FIG. 1, in blockdiagram form;

FIG. 5 illustrates the user communication device of FIG. 1, in blockdiagram form;

FIG. 6 illustrates the law enforcement communication device of FIG. 1,in block diagram form;

FIG. 7 illustrates the emergency services provider communication deviceof FIG. 1, in block diagram form;

FIG. 8 illustrates the healthcare records computer of FIG. 1, in blockdiagram form;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a preferred embodiment method for utilizingthe apparatus of the present invention, in flow diagram form; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another preferred embodiment method forutilizing the apparatus of the present invention, in flow diagram form.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to a personal monitoring apparatus andmethod and, in particular, to a personal monitoring apparatus and methodwhich can be utilized to monitor infants, children, the elderly, orindividuals of any and./or all ages, and/or to monitor their position orlocation, their whereabouts, their surroundings, their vital signs,their physiological measurements, states, or condition, and/or anyindividual and/or individuals with whom they may come into contact.

The present invention can provide an apparatus and method which can beutilized to monitor and/or to track the whereabouts and/or travels of anindividual at any time, to compare an individual's current whereaboutsto their current location or a location where they should be, ought tobe, or are expected to be, and/or to provide an alert, or to provide anotification, to the individual, a parent of the individual, a child ofthe individual, a relative of the individual, a caregiver of theindividual, an employer of the individual, a law enforcement agency orlaw enforcement personnel, emergency services personnel, a third party,or any other person or entity, when the individual is located at alocation where they should not be, wherein they ought not be, where theyare not expected to be, or when they have deviated from, or aredeviating from, a planned, an expected, or a desired, travel route, or aplanned, expected, or desired, schedule when they itinerary.

For example, the apparatus and method or the present invention can beused to monitor the whereabouts, the location, or the travel, of a childof any age, a child having special needs, a child who has become injuredor ill, or a child who has become lost, mission, or who has become avictim of foul play. As and for another example, the apparatus andmethod or the present invention can be used to monitor the whereabouts,the location, or the travel, of an adult or an elderly individual of anyage, an adult or an elderly individual having special needs, an adult oran elderly individual who has become ill or injured, or an adult or anelderly individual who has become lost, mission, or who has become avictim of foul play.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedto provide information or an indication, to the individual or to anypersons with whom the individual may come into contact, which canprovide information indicative of the individual being where he or sheshould not be, indicative that the individual is lost, indicative thatthe individual is or might be injured or ill, or indicative that theindividual is in need of help or assistance.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedto provide information or an indication, to a parent of the individual,to a child of the individual, to a relative of the individual, to acaregiver of the individual, to an employer of the individual, to a lawenforcement agency or law enforcement personnel, to an emergencyservices personnel, to any third party, or to any other person orentity, when the individual has been determined to be lost, injured,ill, or otherwise in need of help or assistance.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedto obtain, record, store, and/or provide, healthcare information orphysiological data and/or information, or any other informationregarding the state or status of an individual, including, but notlimited to, the individual's heart rate, blood pressure, bodytemperature, blood sugar level, or any other physical condition,physiological condition, or healthcare condition, which can be measuredor measurable by any wearable device or by any implanted device orimplantable device.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedto initiate, establish, and/or maintain, a communication link, or atelephone call, with and between any of the herein-described personalmonitoring devices with and any of the herein-described usercommunication devices, central processing computers, and/or lawenforcement communication devices and/or emergency servicescommunication devices. In this regard, for example, a line communicationcan be established with and/or between the personal monitoring device ofa lost, mission, or ill, child's and a user communication device of,associated with, or used by, the child's parent, relative, caregiver, orother authorized person. The apparatus and method of the presentinvention can also be utilized to provide an open, andspeakerphone-operated, line of communication with the personalmonitoring device so that a respective parent, relative, caregiver, orother authorized person can, using a user communication device, speakto, or engage in conversation with, the child or with any individualwith whom the child comes into contact so as to facilitate finding thechild, helping the child find help of his or her way back to a safelocation, and/or making sure that the child is brought to a place ofsafety and/or is safely returned home or to another safe location,and/or to make sure that the child's needs are provided for until beingreunited with his or her parent(s), a caregiver, or law enforcement. Theapparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilized in asame, a similar, or an analogous, manner in providing personalmonitoring for adults and elderly individuals of any age.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedin order to establish, and to provide services for, personal monitoringaccounts for individuals. In a preferred embodiment, a personalmonitoring account can be assigned to an individual in order to provideany number or monitoring services for that individual. For example, apersonal monitoring account can be utilized to allow any otherauthorized individual, person, or entity, to monitor, and/or to tracklocation, position, or movement of, an individual, to communicate withthe individual at any time, to communicate with people in the vicinityof the individual, to obtain information regarding the position,location, or whereabouts of the individual, persons with whom theindividual may be in contact with, or may have come into contact with,the individual's itinerary, travels, to obtain video and/or audioinformation regarding the individual, his or her travels, locations,and/or any other information regarding the individual. In a preferredembodiment, one or more personal monitoring accounts can be set up by orfor an individual. In this regard, an individual can have one personalmonitoring account (“PMA”) or a plurality of personal monitoringaccounts.

As will be described herein, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized to provide a number of various features andfunctionality which can be useful in providing personal monitoringservices and operations for infants, children, and adults, of any ages.The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedto provide personal monitoring services and operations for and regardingpets and animals of any type or kind.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andteachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/085,587,filed Nov. 30, 2014, and entitled “PERSONAL MONITORING APPARATUS ANDMETHOD”, the subject matter and teachings of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention, in blockdiagram form. The apparatus of the present invention is denotedgenerally by the reference numeral 100. In the preferred embodiment, theapparatus 100 of the present invention includes a personal monitoringdevice 10. In the preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring deviceis, or can be, a cellular telephone, a mobile telephone or wirelesstelephone, a Smartphone, a personal digital assistant, or any othersuitable device.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can beequipped with the communication equipment typically found in cellulartelephones, mobile telephones or wireless telephones, Smartphones,personal digital assistants, or any other suitable devices, forfacilitating a two-way communication with other individuals or entitiesand/or with communications devices, computers, equipment, or any othercommunication equipment used by any individuals or entities. In apreferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also beequipped with global positioning system (GPS) device or equipment. Inanother preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can alsobe equipped with navigation equipment such as are typically found incommercially available GPS navigation devices and equipment which areused to assist motorists and individuals traveling in motor vehicles innavigating from a location to a destination.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also beequipped with global positioning system (GPS) equipment and navigationequipment which can allow the personal monitoring device 10 to act in astand-alone manner, without having to obtain any navigation informationfrom any external device or computer. In another preferred embodiment,the personal monitoring device 10 can be equipped to receive, andprovide to a user, navigation data and/or information, including, butnot limited to, navigation instructions, which is obtained from anexternal computer or communication device or a service provider computeror communication device.

The personal monitoring device 10 can also be any communication device,computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer,Smartphone or smartphone, smart telephone, cellular telephone, personaldigital assistant, tablet, tablet computer, watch, smart watch, orwearable device or computer, an implantable device or computer, an itemof jewelry, eyeglasses, or any accessory, or any combination of same, orany equivalent of same, which can be utilized by any person, individual,or entity, who or which utilizes the apparatus 100 and method of thepresent invention. The personal monitoring device 10 can also be aserver computer, a mainframe computer, a mini-computer, a microcomputer,or any other computer or device for suiting the needs of the particularuser.

Any number of personal monitoring devices 10 can be utilized by or inconjunction with the apparatus 100 of the present invention. Thepersonal monitoring device 10 can communicate, in a bi-directionalmanner and/or otherwise, with and/or can operate in conjunction with anythe herein-described computers, communication devices, and/or computersystems described herein as being utilized in connection with theapparatus 100 and method of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 of the present inventionincludes a central processing computer or central processing computersystem 20 (hereinafter referred to as the “central processing computer20”). In the preferred embodiment the central processing computer 20 canbe any computer or computer system or can be a computer with operated ina network with other computers or a server computer.

In the preferred embodiment, the central processing computer 20 canprovide control over the apparatus 100 and can perform any of thevarious processing services and/or functions described herein as beingperformed by same. The central processing computer 20 can be a singlecomputer or a system of computers and/or can include a plurality ofcomputers or computer systems which are utilized in conjunction with oneanother. The central processing computer 20, in the preferredembodiment, can provide personal monitoring services for or regardingany number of individuals and/or entities and/or can provide personalmonitoring services for or regarding any number of individuals and/orentities who or which need, want, or desire, to monitor, to monitor thewhereabouts of, and/or who or which desire to be notified regarding thewhereabouts, location, healthcare status, or any occurrence of orregarding any event which may give rise to a need to find, locate,and/or monitor a location of, any child, adult, elderly person, or anyindividual of any age.

Any number of central processing computers 20 can be utilized by or inconjunction with the apparatus 100 of the present invention. The centralprocessing computer(s) 20 can communicate, in a bi-directional mannerand/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in conjunction with, thepersonal monitoring device 10 and/or any of the other communicationdevices, computers, and/or computer systems, associated with or used byany of the individuals and/or entities who or which utilize theapparatus 100 and method of the present invention.

The apparatus 100 also includes a user communication device or computer30 (hereinafter referred to as “user communication device 30” or “usercomputer 30”) which is associated with, or which can be used by, any oneor more of any of the herein-described users, individuals, or entities,who or which utilize the apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention.

Any number of user communication devices 30 can be utilized by or inconjunction with any user or any individual or entity who or whichutilizes the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention, and anynumber of user communication devices 30 can be utilized in conjunctionwith the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention.

The user communication device(s) 30 can communicate, in a bi-directionalmanner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in conjunction withthe personal monitoring device 10 and/or the central processing computer20 and/or any of the other herein-described communication devices,computers, and/or computer systems, associated with or used by any ofthe individuals and/or entities who or which utilize the apparatus 100and method of the present invention.

The apparatus 100 also includes a law enforcement communication deviceor computer 40 (hereinafter referred to as “law enforcementcommunication device 40” or “law enforcement computer 40”) which isassociated with, or which can be used by, any law enforcement agency ordepartment which utilize the apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention.

Any number of law enforcement communication devices 40 can be utilizedby or in conjunction with any law enforcement agency or department whichutilizes the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention, and anynumber of law enforcement communication devices 40 can be utilized inconjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention.

The law enforcement communication device(s) 40 can communicate, in abi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate inconjunction with the personal monitoring device 10, the centralprocessing computer 20, the user communication device 30, and/or any ofthe other herein-described communication devices, computers, and/orcomputer systems, associated with or used by any of the individualsand/or entities who or which utilize the apparatus 100 and method of thepresent invention.

The apparatus 100 also includes an emergency services providercommunication device or computer 50 (hereinafter referred to as an“emergency services provider communication device 50” or “emergencyservices provider computer 50”) which is associated with, or which canbe used by, any emergency services provider, agency, or department,which utilizes the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention.

Any number of emergency services provider communication devices 50 canbe utilized by or in conjunction with any emergency services provider,agency, or department, which utilizes the apparatus 100 and method ofthe present invention, and any number of emergency services providercommunication devices 50 can be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus 100 and method of the present invention.

The emergency services provider communication device(s) 50 cancommunicate, in a bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/orcan operate in conjunction with the personal monitoring device 10, thecentral processing computer 20, the user communication device 30, thelaw enforcement communication device 40, and/or any of the otherherein-described communication devices, computers, and/or computersystems, associated with or used by any of the individuals and/orentities who or which utilize the apparatus 100 and method of thepresent invention.

The apparatus 100 can also include a healthcare records computer orcommunication device 60 (hereinafter referred to as “healthcare recordscomputer 60”) which, in a preferred embodiment, stores an electronichealthcare record or electronic healthcare records for any of theherein-described individuals who or which can be monitored using theapparatus 100 and method of the present invention. In a preferredembodiment, the healthcare records computer 60 can also store healthcarerecords of any individual, children, adults, elderly persons, or anyindividual of any age, who is to be monitored by and using the apparatus100 and method of the present invention as well as any healthcarerecords of, for, or regarding, any relatives of any of theseindividuals.

In a preferred embodiment, the healthcare records computer 60 orcomputers can serve to store and house an electronic healthcare recordor any number of electronic healthcare records. The healthcare recordscomputer 60 can also be utilized to facilitate cloud storage of anyelectronic healthcare record(s).

The healthcare records computer(s) 60 can communicate, in abi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate inconjunction with, the personal monitoring device 10, the centralprocessing computer 20, the user communication device 30, the lawenforcement communication device 40, the emergency services providercommunication device 50, and/or any of the other communication devices,computers, and/or computer systems, associated with or used by any ofthe individuals and/or entities who or which utilize and/or operate inconjunction with the apparatus 100 of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, any of the personal monitoring device(s)10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the user communicationdevice(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40, theemergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or thehealthcare records computer(s) 60, can be any computer or communicationdevice, including, but not limited to, a personal computer, a homecomputer, a server computer, or any computer capable of being utilizedin a network or capable of being utilized with other computers in anetwork, or a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer,a personal communication device, a cellular telephone, a wirelesstelephone, a mobile telephone, a digital television, an interactivetelevision, a digital television, a personal digital assistant, atelephone, a digital telephone, a television, an interactive television,a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearabledevice, computer or communication device.

Each of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central processingcomputer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the law enforcementcommunication device(s) 40, the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s)60, can transmit information to, as well as receive information from,any of the computers or communication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and/or60 described herein. In this regard, each of the computers orcommunication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60, can communicatewith, process information from, and/or share data and/or informationwith, each other and/or any other computer(s) or communication device(s)10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60, described herein and/or utilized inconjunction with the apparatus 100 of the present invention. In thismanner, any of the respective computer(s) or communication device(s) 10,20, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60, can communicate with any other computer(s) orcommunication device(s) 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60, in abi-directional manner.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention is utilized on, over,and/or via, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and/or on anywireless communication network and/or any cellular communicationnetwork. The present invention, in the preferred embodiment, can alsoutilize wireless Internet and/or World Wide Web services, equipmentand/or devices. The central processing computer(s) 20, in the preferredembodiment, has a web site or web sites associated therewith. Each ofthe other computers or communication devices described herein can alsohave a web site or web sites associated with same.

Although the Internet and/or the World Wide Web is a preferredcommunication system and/or medium utilized, the present invention, inany and/or all of the embodiments described herein, can also be utilizedwith any appropriate communication network or system including, but notlimited to, a telecommunication network or system, a telephonecommunication network or system, a cellular communication network orsystem, a wireless communication network or system, a line or wiredcommunication network or system, a wireless Internet network or system,a wireless World Wide Web network or system, a digital communicationnetwork or system, a personal communication network or system, apersonal communication services (PCS) network or system, a satellitecommunication network or system, a broad band communication network orsystem, a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network or system, a publicswitched telephone network or system, a telephone communication networkor system, a radio communication network or system, a cable televisionnetwork or system, and/or any other communication network or system,and/or any combination of the above communication networks or systems.

Any of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central processingcomputer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the law enforcementcommunication device(s) 40, the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s)60, can communicate with one another, and/or be linked to one another,over or via any communication network, telecommunication network,telephone network, a line-connected network, and/or a wirelesscommunication network, and/or the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.Each of the computers or communication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and60, can be linked with any other computer or computers directly orindirectly with one another so as to facilitate a direct or indirectbi-directional communication between said respective computers orcommunication devices. Communications between each of the computers orcommunication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60, can also involve ane-mail server or e-mail servers in those instances when e-mails aredescribed as being used to transmit or to send any of the information,signals, messages, reports, notification messages, or any othercommunications, described herein, by or between any of the computers orcommunication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60, or when any of theinformation, signals, messages, reports, notification messages, or anyother computers or communications, described herein, are transmitted byand/or between any of the parties described herein and/or by or betweenany of the computers or communication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and60, or any other computers or communication devices, computer systems,communication network equipment, server computers, etc., or any otherdevices used or needed, in order to facilitate communications or thetransmission of any of the herein-described information, signals,messages, reports, notification messages, or any other communications.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the personal monitoring device(s) 10,the central processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s)30, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40, the emergencyservices provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcarerecords computer(s) 60, can communicate in a bi-directional manner with,and/or can send and/or receive signals, data, information, messages,reports, notification messages, alerts, or any other communications orelectronic communication transmissions, to, from and/or between, anyother, or any number of, other personal monitoring device(s) 10, thecentral processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30,the law enforcement communication device(s) 40, the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare recordscomputer(s) 60.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the personal monitoring device(s) 10,the central processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s)30, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40, the emergencyservices provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcarerecords computer(s) 60, can be linked to or with any other personalmonitoring device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the usercommunication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s)40, the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/orthe healthcare records computer(s) 60, via a wired link or line or awireless link.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the personal monitoring device(s) 10,the user communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40, the emergency services provider communication device(s)50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, can be connected with,or linked to or with, the central processing computer(s) 10 as shown inFIG. 1.

In a preferred embodiment, any and/or all of the signals, data,information, messages, reports, notification messages, or any othercommunications, described herein as being transmitted from one device,computer, or communication device, to another device, computer, orcommunication device, can be, or can be included in, or can be attachedto, an e-mail message, an instant messaging message, an electronictransmission, or an electronic data transmission or electronic datainterchange, or can be transmitted via any other data or informationtransmission, and/or can be transmitted via or using any appropriate ornecessary computer(s) or device(s).

In the preferred embodiment, each of the personal monitoring device(s)10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the user communicationdevice(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40, theemergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or thehealthcare records computer(s) 60, can transmit data and/or informationusing TCP/IP, as well as any other Internet and/or World Wide Web,and/or communication, protocols.

The apparatus 100 of the present invention can utilize electroniccommerce technologies and security methods, techniques and technologies,including any encryption or security technologies and/or techniques, inany and/or all of the instances of data and/or information processing,and/or data and/or information transmission described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates the personal monitoring device 10 of FIG. 1, in blockdiagram form. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device10 can be a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a mobiletelephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, or a personal digital assistant,or the personal monitoring device 10 can be or can be a component of apersonal computer, a home computer, a laptop computer, a notebookcomputer, a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtopcomputer, a personal communication device, a cellular telephone, awireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, apersonal digital assistant, a digital television, an interactivetelevision, a digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone, atelevision, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watchor a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communicationdevice. The personal monitoring device 10 can also be a server computer,or any computer capable of being utilized in a network or capable ofbeing utilized with other computers in a network.

The personal monitoring device 10 can also be any communication device,computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer,Smartphone or smartphone, smart telephone, cellular telephone, personaldigital assistant, tablet, tablet computer, watch, smart watch, orwearable device or computer, an implantable device or computer, an itemof jewelry, eyeglasses, or any accessory, or any combination of same, orany equivalent of same.

With reference to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment, the personalmonitoring device 10 includes a central processing unit or CPU 10A,which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU 10A canalso be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or amainframe computer, depending upon the application.

The personal monitoring device 10 also includes a random access memorydevice(s) 10B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 10C (ROM), each ofwhich is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 10A, and a user inputdevice 10D, for inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/orinstructions and/or commands into the personal monitoring device 10,which can include any one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a userpointing device, such as, for example, a mouse, a stylus, a touch pad,and/or an audio input device, a microphone, an audio recording device,and/or a video input device, a camera or any number of cameras, a videorecording device, and/or any device, electronic and/or otherwise, whichcan be utilized for inputting and/or entering data and/or informationand/or instructions and/or commands into the personal monitoring device10.

The input device(s) 10D is/are also connected to, or linked with, theCPU 10A. In a preferred embodiment, the input device(s) 10D can also beor can include a pulse rate monitor or measurement device or equipment,a heart rate monitor of measurement device or equipment, a blood sugarmonitor or measurement device or equipment, a blood pressure monitor ormeasurement device or equipment, a blood alcohol monitor or measurementdevice or equipment, a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a thermometermeasuring an individual's body temperature, or any other device,monitor, or measurement, device or equipment, and/or any electrical orbio-medical device or equipment, which can measure an individual'sphysical condition, health condition, health status, healthcarecondition, or physiological condition or status, or any other biologicalor biometric data and/or information. In a preferred embodiment, any ofthe herein-described pulse rate monitors or measurement devices orequipment, heart rate monitors of measurement devices or equipment,blood sugar monitors or measurement devices or equipment, blood pressuremonitors or measurement devices or equipment, blood alcohol monitors ormeasurement devices or equipment, pacemakers, defibrillators,thermometers, or any other devices, monitors, or measurement devices orequipment, and/or any electrical or bio-medical devices or equipment,can be wirelessly linked with and/or to the CPU 10A and/or to thepersonal monitoring device 10 and can be wearable, attachable toclothing, or implantable. In a preferred embodiment, the input device(s)10D can also include a thermometer for measuring the temperature on theexterior of the personal monitoring device 10.

In preferred embodiment, any of the input device(s) described oridentified herein can be either connected to, or linked with, or withthe CPU 10A directly or indirectly, and/or or can be wirelessly linkedto or with the personal monitoring device 10, the CPU 10A, or any othercomponent of the personal monitoring device 10 with or using a Bluetoothdevice or system and/or any suitable wireless device or wireless linkingdevice or wireless linking system.

The personal monitoring device 10 also includes a display device 10E fordisplaying data and/or information to a user or operator. In thepreferred embodiment, the display device 10E is also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 10A. The personal monitoring device 10 alsoincludes a transmitter(s) 10F, for transmitting signals and/or dataand/or information to any one or more of the central processingcomputer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the law enforcementcommunication device(s) 40, the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s)60, and/or any other personal monitoring device(s) 10, which can beutilized in conjunction with the present invention. In the preferredembodiment, the transmitter(s) 10F is/are also connected to, or linkedwith, the CPU 10A. The personal monitoring device 10 also includes areceiver(s) 10G, for receiving signals and/or data and/or informationfrom any one or more of the central processing computer(s) 20, the usercommunication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s)40, the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/orthe healthcare records computer(s) 60, and/or any other personalmonitoring device(s) 10, which can be utilized in conjunction with thepresent invention. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 10Gis/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 10A.

The personal monitoring device 10 also includes a database(s) 10H. Inthe preferred embodiment, the database(s) 10H is/are also connected to,or linked with, the CPU 10A. The database(s) 10H can contain and/or belinked to any of the data and/or information described herein as beingstored in the database(s) 20H described herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the database 10H can contain and/or caninclude any data and/or information, and/or any link or links to anydata and/or information, needed or desired for enabling and/or forallowing the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the apparatus 100and/or any of the computers or communication devices described herein asbeing utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of thepresent invention to perform any and/or all of the functionalitydescribed herein which is capable of being performed by the personalmonitoring device 10 and/or the apparatus 100 of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the database 10H can contain and/or caninclude any software, software programs, algorithms, or softwareapplications (“apps”) needed or desired for enabling and/or for allowingthe personal monitoring device 10 and/or the apparatus 100 and/or any ofthe computers or communication devices described herein as beingutilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention to perform any and/or all of the functionality describedherein which is capable of being performed by the personal monitoringdevice 10 and/or the apparatus 100 of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 10H can contain and/or caninclude any data and/or information regarding the user or theindividual, or any users or individuals, who or which utilize thepersonal monitoring device 10. Any data and/or information regarding theuser or individual who is using the personal monitoring device 10 to bemonitored, can include, but is not limited to, the user's or theindividual's name, address, home telephone number, e-mail address, IPaddress, test messaging number, text messaging address, cellulartelephone number, the telephone number assigned to the personalmonitoring device 10, date or birth, gender, height, weight,identification photograph, social security number or any other suitableidentification information, and/or any other data and/or informationregarding the user of the individual.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding the user's or the individual's personal monitoringdevice 10 which can include, but which is not limited to, the type ofdevice, such as for example, a cellular telephone, Smartphone,smartphone, personal digital assistant, or any other device describedherein which can be utilized as a personal monitoring device 10, themanufacturing and model number of personal communication device 10, aserial number of the personal monitoring device 10, any otheridentifying data and/or information assigned to, associated with, orrelating to, the personal monitoring device 10, the telephone numberassociated with, or assigned to, the personal communication device 10,the cellular telephone number associated with, or assigned to, thepersonal communication device 10, the wireless or mobile telephonenumber associated with, or assigned to, the personal communicationdevice 10, an IP address associated with, or assigned to, the personalmonitoring device 10, an email address associated with, or assigned tothe personal monitoring device 10, a text messaging number associatedwith, or assigned to, the personal monitoring device 10, and/or anyother data and/or information associated with the personal monitoringdevice 10. The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any ofthe above-described information for any other personal monitoring device10 or any number of personal monitoring devices 10 which is/are used bythe user or individual.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding a person who is monitoring the user or theindividual. In a preferred embodiment, the a person who is monitoringthe user or the individual can be, but is not limited to, the user's orindividual's parent or parents, spouse, sibling, relative, friend,nanny, au pair, caregiver, teacher, employer, or any other person orentity, who or which is monitoring the user or individual (hereafteralso referred to as “monitoring person”). For each monitoring personand, therefore, for each respective parent, spouse, sibling, relative,friend, nanny, au pair, caregiver, teacher, employer, or any otherperson or entity, who monitors the user of the individual or of or forthe user or individual, the database 10H can contain and/or can includeany data and/or information regarding the name, address, telephonenumber, cellular telephone number, user communication device telephonenumber or cellular telephone number, e-mail address, text messagingnumber, and/or any other data and/or information, and/or contactinformation, of, for, or regarding, the monitoring person. The database10H can also contain and/or can include any other data and/orinformation, described herein as being stored for or regarding the useror individual, for or regarding the monitoring person.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding places, locations, or venues, to which the user orindividual travels. The database 10H can also contain and/or can includeany data and/or information regarding the daily schedule or dailyschedules of or for the user or the individual, and/or any data and/orinformation regarding the daily routine or daily routines of or for theuser or individual, any places where the user or individual is or has tobe at a given time, and/or any other data and/or information regardingthe user's or the individual's daily routines, weekly routines, travelroutines, travel routes used, alternate travel routes used, travel timesand/or time of travel regarding any travel by the user or individual,and/or any other data and/or information regarding the user's or theindividual's routines that can be utilized in performing a personalmonitoring service for or regarding the user or the individual.

For example, in the case of a child being monitored, the database 10Hcan contain and/or can include any data and/or information regarding thedaily weekday schedule for the child such as, for example, the child'shome address, the time or approximate time when the child leaves homefor school, a preferred travel route the child takes to go to school,any alternate travel routes to the school, the time or the approximatetime the child arrives at school or the time school starts for thechild, the time or the approximate time the child leaves school or thetime school ends for the day, a travel route to an after schoolactivity, if applicable, a travel route to the after school activity, analternate travel route to the after school activity, a time or anapproximate time of a travel to an after school activity, a time or anapproximate time when the child leaves the venue of the after schoolactivity, a travel route from the venue of the after school activity tothe child's home, a travel route to the child's home, an alternatetravel route to the child's home, and/or a time or an approximate timewhen the child is expected to arrive at home.

As and for another example, in the case of an adult of any age beingmonitored, the database 10H can contain and/or can include any dataand/or information regarding the daily weekday schedule for the adultsuch as, for example, the adult's home address, the time or approximatetime when the adult leaves home for work or some other activity orvenue, a preferred travel route the adult takes to go to work or someother activity or venue, any alternate travel routes to the work,activity, or venue, the time or the approximate time the adult arrivesat work, the activity, or the venue, the time or the approximate timethe adult leaves work, the activity, or the venue, a travel route toanother activity or venue, if applicable, a travel route to the otheractivity or venue, an alternate travel route to the other or venue, atime or an approximate time of a travel to the other activity or venue,a time or an approximate time when the adult leaves the other activityor venue, a travel route from the other activity or venue back to theadult's home, a travel route to the adult's home, an alternate travelroute to the adult's home, and/or a time or an approximate time when theadult is expected to arrive at home.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding any school(s), workplace(s), club(s), activityvenue(s), recreational venue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any otherplace(s), location(s), and/or other venue(s), of the user or individualand/or to which the user or individual travels and/or at which the useror individual is known to spend time. The database 10H can also containand/or can include any data and/or information regarding the location(s)of any school(s), workplace(s), club(s), activity venue(s), recreationalvenue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any other place(s), location(s),and/or other venue(s), of the user or individual, which data and/orinformation can include the name, the address, the telephone number, thewebsite address, the IP address, a description of same, scheduleinformation of or for same, and/or any other information regarding same.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding any weekday or weekend day schedules oritineraries of the user or individual. The database 10H can also containand/or can include any data and/or information regarding emergencycontacts for the user or the individual, including, for each emergencycontact individual, his or her name, telephone number, cellulartelephone number, text messaging number, e-mail address, or IP address,or any other information.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding any personal monitoring accounts the user orindividual has or is associated with. The database 10H can also containand/or can include any data and/or information regarding any personsresponsible for monitoring the user or the individual including for eachperson, his or her name, telephone number, cellular telephone number,text messaging number, e-mail address, or IP address, or any otherinformation. The database 10H can also contain and/or can include anydata and/or information regarding any and/or all personal monitoringdevices 10 assigned to or associated with the user or individual and/orcan contain and/or can include data and/or information regarding withany the user's or individual's personal monitoring accounts.

The database 10H can also contains and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding any of the central processing computer(s) 20, anypertinent user communication device(s) 30, any law enforcementcommunication device(s) 40, any emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s)60, described herein, and/or can contain and/or can include any link(s)or hyperlink(s) to same.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include an electronichealthcare record of the user or the individual and/or any data and/orinformation regarding same or contained in same, any data and/orinformation which may be contained in the electronic healthcare recordof the user or the individual, any personal healthcare record of theuser or individual, any data and/or information which may be containedin the personal healthcare record of the user or the individual, anyhealthcare information regarding the user or the individual, anyinformation regarding any healthcare condition or special needs of theuser or the individual, any information regarding any medicines,prescribed medications, drugs, or prescribed drugs, which are needed bythe user or the individual, any information regarding any allergies ofthe user or the individual, or any other information regarding anyhealthcare conditions, needs, or treatments, of, for, or regarding, theuser or the individual. The database 10H can also contain and/or caninclude a link or hyperlink to the healthcare records computer 60 and/orto the user's or the individual's electronic healthcare record storedtherein.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding the daily schedule for each weekday or eachweekend day for the user or the individual, travel routes travelled foreach day and trip, and/or time(s) associated with each trip or travelsegment of each trip.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding the name, address, telephone number(s), cellulartelephone number(s), mobile or wireless telephone number(s), e-mailaddress(es), text messaging address(es), IP address(es), or any othercontact information for or regarding any herein-described monitoringperson of or for the user or the individual or for each or any parent,sibling, family member, relative, caregiver, nanny. au pair, healthcareprovider(s), healthcare insurer(s) or healthcare payer(s), or any otherperson or entity of or for the user or the individual.

It is important to note, as used throughout the application, the term orphrase “text messaging number” includes any and all kinds of messagingnumbers, including, but not limited to, a text messaging number, an SMSmessaging number, and MMS messaging number, or any other number,address, or identifier, used or needed in order to send a text messageor any other message to any user, individual, person, or entity who orwhich uses the apparatus 100 of the present invention.

The database 10H can also contain and/or include any software, softwareprogram(s), algorithm(s), or software applications (“apps”), such asthose known by those skilled in the art at the time of the filing ofthis application, which can allow the personal monitoring device 10 toascertain, determine, locate, and/or display, a location or position ofany user communication device 30 associated with any user or individual,including, but not limited to, any user or individual who is to bemonitoring the user or individual who is using or who is associated withthe personal monitoring device 10, or any other authorized or designateduser or individual who might be able to provide assistance to the useror individual who is using or who is associated with the personalmonitoring device 10.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include navigation softwarefor allowing the personal monitoring device 10 to calculate travelroutes from one place or point to another, to detect departures from atravel route and to re-calculate another travel route, and/or forallowing the personal monitoring device 10 to calculate and/or to storetravel routes and/or any data and/or information regarding same whichare used by the user or individual as well as alternate travel routesfor same. The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any dataand/or information regarding any allowed travel routes for the user orindividual as well as disallowed travel routes for the user ofindividual. The database 10H can also contain and/or include map dataand/or map information including, but not limited to, digitized map dataand/or information and/or data and/or information for updating any mapdata and/or information.

The database 10H can also contain and/or include data and/or informationregarding travel records for the user or individual which can containand/or include data and/or information regarding a date and time oftravel and/or travel routes taken or travelled by, and/or any other dataand/or information regarding, the user or individual for or during anyperiod of time or during and/or for or relating to any schedule orroutine.

The database 10H can also contain and/or include a pre-recorded audiomessage(s) and/or a pre-recorded audio and video message(s), which canbe recorded by any person authorized to monitor the user or individualand which can provided via the personal monitoring device 10 at any timeand/or for any reason. For example, an audio and/or an audio and videorecording can be played via the personal monitoring device 10 in orderto assist, calm, or comfort, a lost child, to help re-orient a child, togive or provide the child or any one with whom the child comes intocontact with, instructions, contact information, emergency contactinformation, directions, or any other information, and/or can be playedto clam, comfort, or assist, a lost, disoriented, or ill, adult or childof any age, or to give or provide the child or any one with whom thechild comes into contact with, instructions, contact information,emergency contact information, directions, or any other information.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data,information, software, software programs, algorithms, and/or softwareapplications (or “apps”) which are needed or desired for allowing thepersonal monitoring device 10 to perform any and/or all of the functionsand/or functionality described herein as being capable of beingperformed by same and/or by the apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any of the dataand/or information described herein as being stored in any of otherdatabases 20H, 30H, 40H, 50H, and/or 60H, described herein.

The personal monitoring device 10 also includes an output device(s) 10Ifor outputting any of the data, information, and/or reports, describedherein as being generated by or via the personal monitoring device 10.In the preferred embodiment, the output device(s) 10I can be a displayscreen, a speaker, a printer, a display of any type or kind, anindicator light, a transmitter, a modem, and/or any other device whichcan be used to output data or information of any kind or type. In thepreferred embodiment, the output device(s) 10I can also include a beaconor a homing beacon which can transmit or provide a signal, a distresssignal, or any other indication, from the personal monitoring device 10which can be utilized determine the position, location, and/or movement,of the personal monitoring device 10. In the preferred embodiment, theoutput device(s) 10I is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU10A.

The personal monitoring device 10 also includes a video and/or audiorecording device(s) 10J which can include a camera and/or a videorecording device for recording pictures or video and/or video clipsand/or a microphone or an audio recording device for recording audio oraudio clips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by orfrom the personal monitoring device 10, or which can be recorded by, andstored at or in, the personal monitoring device 10 for transmission byor from the personal monitoring device 10 at a later time. The videoand/or audio recording device(s) 10J can be utilized to facilitate videoconferencing, video chatting, and/or audio conferencing, and/or videoand audio conferencing, between users of the personal monitoring device10 and any user of any other computer or communication device 10, 20,30, 40, 50, or 60, described herein. In the preferred embodiment, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 10J is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 10A.

With reference to FIG. 2, the personal monitoring device 10 can alsoinclude a global positioning system (GPS) device 10K which can beutilized to determine or ascertain the location or position of thepersonal monitoring device 10 at any time and/or to track movement ofthe personal monitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the globalpositioning system (GPS) device 10K can be connected to, or linked with,the CPU 10A.

The personal monitoring device 10 also includes device functionalequipment systems or devices 10L, which can include any the necessarycommunications systems or devices which are typically found in cellulartelephones or wireless telephones and/or which can allow the personalmonitoring device 10 to function as a cellular telephone or a wirelesstelephone. In a preferred embodiment, the functional equipment systemsor devices 10L can also include a global positioning system (GPS) devicewhich can be utilized to determine or ascertain the location or positionof the personal monitoring device 10 at any time and which can be alsobe used to track movement of the personal monitoring device 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the functional equipment systems or devices10L can also include navigation equipment or devices which are typicallyfound in navigation devices or equipment and which an be utilized toallow the personal monitoring device 10 to function and/or to operate asa GPS equipped navigation device. In a preferred embodiment, thepersonal monitoring device 10 can function as a stand alone navigationdevice, meaning that it can perform any and/or all needed and desirednavigation tasks and functions without any interaction with an externalcomputer or device, and/or without having to access a computer over anycommunication network in order to obtain navigation data, information,and/or instructions, for providing navigation data, information, and/orinstructions, to a user of the personal monitoring device 10.

In another preferred embodiment, the functional equipment systems ordevices 10L can also include a “kill” switch or associated hardwareand/or software for disabling and/or deactivating the personalmonitoring device 10 in instances when same might be lost or stolen, soas to prevent its use by another person and/or to prevent any access toany data and/or information stored therein, thereby rendering thepersonal monitoring device 10 useless to another person after beingreported, or discovered as being, lost or stolen.

In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 canalso operate in conjunction with an external computer or device in orderto obtain navigation data, information, and/or instructions, so as toprovide same to a user of the personal monitoring device 10. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can processnavigation data, information, and/or instructions, on its own as well asreceive at least some navigation data, information, and/or instructions,from an external computer or device, in order to provide navigationdata, information, and/or instructions, to a user of the personalmonitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the functionalequipment systems or devices 10L are also connected to, or linked with,the CPU 10A.

In a preferred embodiment, the functional equipment systems or devices10L can also include any combination of hardware and/or software fordisabling the on/off switch of the personal monitoring device 10, sothat the personal monitoring device 10 cannot be shut-off, or so that nooperation or function of the personal monitoring device 10 can beterminated, and/or so that a telephone call, a telephone communicationlink, or a communication line or link, cannot be turned off orterminated, by or at the personal communication device 10. In thisregard, in the case of an emergency, no telephone call and/orcommunication line or link between the personal monitoring device 10 andany user communication device(s) 30, the or any central processingcomputer(s) 20, the or any law enforcement communication device(s) 40,the or any emergency services provider communication device(s) 50,and/or the or any healthcare records computer(s) 60, can be terminatedat or by the personal monitoring device 10, so that a communicationline, link, or channel can always be maintained with the personalmonitoring device 10.

In this regard, for example, if a child is lost, a telephone call and/orcommunication line, link, or channel, with and between the child and hisor her parent can be maintained without the risk of the call beingterminated at or by the personal monitoring device 10. In this regard,the parent can continue to speak with and communication with the child,can obtain position or location information from or via the personalmonitoring device 10, can track the personal monitoring device 10,and/or can obtain any other information from and/or via the personalmonitoring device 10, without losing contact with the child and/or hisor her personal monitoring device 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the functional equipment systems or devices10L can also include any combination of hardware and/or software forallowing the personal monitoring device 10 and any components or devicestherein or associated therewith to be remotely accessed, controlled,and/or monitored, by or using any authorized user communication device30 used by an authorized user or individual, the or any centralprocessing computer(s) 20, the or any law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40, the or any emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50, and/or the or any healthcare records computer(s) 60.

FIG. 3 illustrates the personal monitoring device 10 of FIG. 1 in athree-dimensional perspective view. In a preferred embodiment, thepersonal monitoring device 10 can be, or can be implemented in or with,a cellular telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, or a personal digitalassistant, which can be equipped with all of the necessary hardware andsoftware needed to perform all of the functions and functionalitydescribed herein as being performed by the personal monitoring device 10of the present invention. In another preferred embodiment, the personalmonitoring device 10 can be designed to be of any size or shape, and/orthe personal monitoring device 10 can be implemented using a watch, awristwatch, an necklace, a bracelet, a ring, or any other article ofjewelry, of the personal monitoring device 10 can be secured to a belt,a necklace, a bracelet, eyeglasses, a watch, a wristwatch, and/or can beattached to, secured to, or placed inside or within, any article ofclothing, a jacket, a coat, a shirt, a blouse, a dress, a skirt, a pairof pants, shoes, sneakers, boots, a hat, gloves, socks, stockings, atie, a scarf, or any other wearable item or accessory. In this regard,and depending of the use, application, or deployment, of the personalmonitoring device 10 in any given setting or situation, the personalmonitoring device 10 can be designed and/or configures to be of anysize, shape, type, or kind, of device.

With reference to FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the personalmonitoring device 10 can include a housing 11, a display screen 12 whichcan be a component of the display device 10E. In the preferredembodiment, the display screen 12 can of the touch screen type or kindand can be utilized to view and to input data, information, messages, orinstructions. In a preferred embodiment, the display screen 12 caninclude a display section 13 and a keyboard section 14. In a preferredembodiment, the keyboard section 14 can be called upon when needed andcan also be dispensed with when not being used so as to facilitate theuse of the entirety of the display screen 12 when desired.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also beequipped with a flashlight, a flashlight bulb, or with any suitablesoftware application which can turn the display screen 12, or anyportion of the display screen 12, into a flashlight. In this regard, thepersonal monitoring device 10 can be equipped with a flashlight or aflashlight functionality.

With reference once again to FIG. 3, the personal monitoring device 10can also include one or more microphones 15, which can be a component ofthe video and/or audio recording device(s) 10J and/or the input device10D and, which can be located on one or more, or on any or all surfacesof the personal monitoring device 10 in order to allow for any user orother individual to utilize the personal monitoring device 10 tocommunicate with others, to allow others to monitor audio and/or soundsat or in the vicinity of the personal monitoring device 10, and/or toallow one to use, control an operation of, to enter voice commands into,and/or to record audio information or an audio clip with and/or using,the personal monitoring device 10, and/or to allow one to simply utilizethe personal monitoring device 10 to communicate with another individualor entity in a hand-free mode of operation. Any number of microphones 15can be utilized in connection with the personal monitoring device 10.

With reference once again to FIG. 3, the personal monitoring device 10can also include one or more speakers 16, which can be a component ofthe output device 10I and, which can be located on one or more, or onany or all, surfaces of the personal monitoring device 10 in order toprovide audible data, information, instructions, or communications, toany user, or individual who may be using, or who may be in the vicinityof, the personal monitoring device 10.

With reference once again to FIG. 3, the personal monitoring device 10can also include one or more cameras 17, which can be a component of thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 10J and/or the input device 10Iand, which can be located on one or more, or on any or all, surfaces ofthe personal monitoring device 10 in order to take or record a picture,a photograph, or an image, and/or to record video information or a videoclip, with the personal monitoring device 10, to record a picture, aphotograph, or an image, and/or to record video information or a videoclip, of a user of the personal monitoring device 10 or any individualusing the personal monitoring device 10 or in the vicinity of thepersonal monitoring device 10, to record a picture, a photograph, or animage, and/or to record video information or a video clip, of a vicinityin which the personal monitoring device 10 is located or of asurrounding of same, and/or to allow a user or any individual to engagein a video conference or video chat with another individual or otherindividuals using the personal monitoring device 10.

In a preferred embodiment, any one or more cameras 17 can be a wideangle lens camera or a camera having a wide angle lens for obtainingmaximum viewing area. In a preferred embodiment, any one or more cameras17 can also be a night vision camera, an infrared camera, or a cameraequipped with, or utilized in connection with, night vision capability.

With reference once again to FIG. 3, the personal monitoring device 10can include a plurality of indicator lights 18, one of which can be usedto provide an indication that the user of the personal monitoring device10 is located with a “safe” zone of travel and the other which can beused to provide an indication that the user of the personal monitoringdevice 10 is located outside of a “safe” zone of travel, is lost, isill, is possibly the victim of foul play, or is otherwise in need ofhelp or assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator light whichis used to indicate the that user in within his or her “safe” zone canbe an green light when illuminated, and the indicator light which isused to indicate the that the user outside his or her “safe” zone oftravel, is lost, is ill, is possibly the victim of foul play, or isotherwise in need of help or assistance, can be a red light whenilluminated. In another preferred embodiment, the indicator lights 19can be provided via the display screen or in or via a portion or sectionof the display screen 12.

In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 caninclude any suitable attachment device or element (not shown) which isattached or connected to, or linked with, the housing 11 and/or thepersonal monitoring device 10 and which can be used to secure, to mount,or to otherwise attach, the personal monitoring device 10 to, on, or in,a belt, an article of clothing, a watch, a wristwatch, a necklace, abracelet, eyeglasses, an accessory of any type or kind, a jacket, acoat, a shirt, a blouse, a dress, a skirt, a pair of pants, shoes,sneakers, boots, a hat, gloves, socks, stockings, a tie, a scarf, or anyother wearable item or accessory.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10, itshousing 11, and its various component parts described herein, can beconstructed or rugged materials in order to protect the personalmonitoring device 10 against impacts. In a preferred embodiment, thepersonal monitoring device 10, its housing 11, and its various componentparts described herein, can also be sealed, in any appropriate manner,so as to provide for a personal monitoring device 10 which can bewaterproof. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10can also be designed and manufactured to as to include any suitable orbuoyant material(s) which can allow the personal monitoring device 10 tofloat on water. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 11, or anyportion or component of same, can also include made with or from, or cancontain a phosphorescent material so that the housing 11, or any portionof the housing 11, of the personal monitoring device 10 can glow-in-thedark or otherwise exhibit glow-in-the-dark or luminescent properties.

FIG. 4 illustrates the central processing computer 20 of FIG. 1, inblock diagram form. In the preferred embodiment, the central processingcomputer 20 can be any computer capable of performing the functionalityof the central processing computer 20 as described herein, a servercomputer, a computer system, a group of computers, or any computercapable of being utilized in a network or capable of being utilized withother computers in a network, which can provide the functionality of,and which can be utilized as, a central processing computer 20. Thecentral processing computer 20 can also be any suitable server computeror server computer system, a cloud computer or cloud computer system, orany computer or computer system capable of being utilized in a networkor capable of being utilized with other computers or computer systems ina network. The central processing computer 20 can also be an Internetserver computer and/or a web site server computer. In the preferredembodiment, the central processing computer 20 includes a centralprocessing unit or CPU 20A, which in the preferred embodiment, is amicroprocessor. The CPU 20A can also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer,a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon theapplication.

The central processing computer 20 also includes a random access memorydevice(s) 20B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 20C (ROM), each ofwhich is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 20A, and a user inputdevice 20D, for inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/orinstructions and/or commands into the central processing computer 20,which can include any one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a userpointing device, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or anaudio input device and/or a video input device, a microphone or audiorecording device, a camera or a video recording device, and/or anydevice, electronic and/or otherwise which can be utilized for inputtingand/or entering data and/or information, as well as instructions and/orcommands, into the central processing computer 20. The centralprocessing computer 20 also includes a display device 20E for displayingdata and/or information to a user or operator. In the preferredembodiment, the display device 20E is also connected to, or linked with,the CPU 20A.

The central processing computer 20 also includes a transmitter(s) 20F,for transmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one ormore of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the user communicationdevice(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40, theemergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or thehealthcare records computer(s) 60, and/or any other central processingcomputer(s) 20, which can be utilized in conjunction with the presentinvention. In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter(s) 20F is/arealso connected to, or linked with, the CPU 20A. The central processingcomputer 20 also includes a receiver(s) 20G, for receiving signalsand/or data and/or information from any one or more of the personalmonitoring device(s) 10, the user communication device(s) 30, the lawenforcement communication device(s) 40, the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s)60, and/or any other central processing computer(s) 20, which may beutilized in conjunction with the present invention. In the preferredembodiment, the receiver(s) 20G is/are also connected to, or linkedwith, the CPU 20A.

The central processing computer 20 also includes a database(s) 20Hwhich, in the preferred embodiment, contains and/or includes any and/orall of the data and/or information needed or desired for or by thecentral processing computer 20 to perform all of the operations,actions, functions, and/or functionality, described herein as beingprovided by, and/or as being performed by, the central processingcomputer 20 and/or the apparatus 100 of the present invention. In thepreferred embodiment, the database(s) 20H is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 20A.

In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 20H can contain and/orinclude any and/or all of any needed or desired data and informationregarding each of the users or individuals being monitored, or are to bemonitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus 100, including, but notlimited to, any of the data and/or information described herein as beingstored in the database 10H of any personal monitoring device 10associated with or used by the respective user or individual.

In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 20H can also contain and/orinclude any and/or all of any needed or desired data and informationregarding each of the users or individuals who utilize the apparatus 100of the present invention to monitor any other user or individual,including, but not limited to, any of the data and/or informationdescribed herein as being stored in the database 30H of any usercommunication device 30 associated with or used by the respective useror individual desiring to monitor any other user or individual.

In a preferred embodiment, for each user or individual who or which usesthe apparatus 100 and method of the present invention to monitor anotheruser or individual, the database 20H can contain and/or include, but notbe limited to, any data and/or information regarding the user's or theindividual's name, address, telephone number(s), cellular telephonenumber(s), mobile or wireless telephone number(s), e-mail address ore-mail addresses, and/or text message, instant message, SMS message, orMMS message, IP address(es), or any other messaging, telephone number,or other, address or identifier, as well as any data and/or informationregarding the user's or the individual's user communication device 30,including, but not limited to, the manufacturer, model number, and/orserial number of same, as well as any telephone number, e-mail address,instant message number or address, SMS message number or address, MMSmessage number or address, IP address, or any other contact informationof, for, or associated with the user communication device 30, for eachuser communication device 30 used by or associated with the user orindividual. The database 20H can also contain and/or include any dataand/or information regarding any other user(s) or individual(s) beingmonitored, or to be monitored, by the user or individual.

In a preferred embodiment, for each user or individual who or which isbeing monitored, or is to be monitored, by, with, or using, theapparatus 100 and method of the present invention, the database 20H cancontain and/or include, but not be limited to, any data and/orinformation regarding the user's or the individual's name, address,telephone number(s), cellular telephone number(s), mobile or wirelesstelephone number(s), e-mail address or e-mail addresses, and/or textmessage, instant message, SMS message, or MMS message, IP address(es),or any other messaging, telephone number, or other, address oridentifier, as well as any data and/or information regarding the user'sor the individual's personal monitoring device 10, including, but notlimited to, the manufacturer, model number, and/or serial number ofsame, as well as any telephone number, e-mail address, instant messagenumber or address, SMS message number or address, MMS message number oraddress, IP address, or any other contact information of, for, orassociated with the personal monitoring device 10, for each personalmonitoring device 10 used by or associated with the user or individual.

For each user or individual who or which utilizes the apparatus 100 andmethod of the present invention to monitor another user or individual,the database 20H, in a preferred embodiment, can contain and/or includeany data and/or information regarding the user(s) or individual(s) beingmonitored or to be monitored.

For each user or individual being monitored by, or to be monitored by,another user or individual, the database 20H, in a preferred embodiment,can contain and/or include any data and/or information regarding theuser(s) or individual(s) who is to monitor that user or individual.

In a preferred embodiment, the database 20H can contain and/or includeany data and/or information regarding any personal monitoring account(s)associated with any user(s) or individual(s) who are being monitored, orto be monitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention including, but not limited to any number or identifier for therespective personal monitoring account, account number, any user(s) orindividual(s) being monitored, or to be monitored, under the personalmonitoring account, and/or any user(s) or individual(s) authorized touse the personal monitoring account to monitor another user(s) orindividual.

In a preferred embodiment, the database 20H can contain and/or include,for each user or individual being monitored, or to be monitored, by,with, or using, the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention,data and/or information regarding places, locations, or venues, to whichthe user or individual travels, along with any data and/or informationregarding the daily schedule or daily schedules of or for the user orthe individual, and/or any data and/or information regarding the dailyroutine or daily routines of or for the user or individual, any placeswhere the user or individual is or has to be at a given time, and/or anyother data and/or information regarding the user's or the individual'sdaily routines, weekly routines, travel routines, travel routes used,alternate travel routes used, travel times and/or time of travelregarding any travel by the user or individual, and/or any other dataand/or information regarding the user's or the individual's routinesthat can be utilized in performing a personal monitoring service for orregarding the user or the individual.

For example, in the case of a child being monitored, the database 20Hcan contain and/or can include any data and/or information regarding thedaily weekday schedule for the child such as, for example, the child'shome address, the time or approximate time when the child leaves homefor school, a preferred travel route the child takes to go to school,any alternate travel routes to the school, the time or the approximatetime the child arrives at school or the time school starts for thechild, the time or the approximate time the child leaves school or thetime school ends for the day, a travel route to an after schoolactivity, if applicable, a travel route to the after school activity, analternate travel route to the after school activity, a time or anapproximate time of a travel to an after school activity, a time or anapproximate time when the child leaves the venue of the after schoolactivity, a travel route from the venue of the after school activity tothe child's home, a travel route to the child's home, an alternatetravel route to the child's home, and/or a time or an approximate timewhen the child is expected to arrive at home.

As and for another example, in the case of an adult of any age beingmonitored, the database 20H can contain and/or can include any dataand/or information regarding the daily weekday schedule for the adultsuch as, for example, the adult's home address, the time or approximatetime when the adult leaves home for work or some other activity orvenue, a preferred travel route the adult takes to go to work or someother activity or venue, any alternate travel routes to the work,activity, or venue, the time or the approximate time the adult arrivesat work, the activity, or the venue, the time or the approximate timethe adult leaves work, the activity, or the venue, a travel route toanother activity or venue, if applicable, a travel route to the otheractivity or venue, an alternate travel route to the other or venue, atime or an approximate time of a travel to the other activity or venue,a time or an approximate time when the adult leaves the other activityor venue, a travel route from the other activity or venue back to theadult's home, a travel route to the adult's home, an alternate travelroute to the adult's home, and/or a time or an approximate time when theadult is expected to arrive at home.

For each user or individual being monitored, or to be monitored, by,with, or using, the apparatus 100 of the present invention, the database20H can also contain and/or can include any data and/or informationregarding any school(s), workplace(s), club(s), activity venue(s),recreational venue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any other place(s),location(s), and/or other venue(s), of the user or individual and/or towhich the user or individual travels and/or at which the user orindividual is known to spend time. The database 20H can also containand/or can include any data and/or information regarding the location(s)of any school(s), workplace(s), club(s), activity venue(s), recreationalvenue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any other place(s), location(s),and/or other venue(s), of the user or individual, which data and/orinformation can include the name, the address, the telephone number, thewebsite address, the IP address, a description of same, scheduleinformation of or for same, and/or any other information regarding same.

The database 20H can also contain and/or can include, for each user orindividual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, theapparatus 100 of the present invention, any data and/or informationregarding any weekday or weekend day schedules or itineraries of theuser or individual. The database 20H can also contain and/or can includeany data and/or information regarding emergency contacts for the user orthe individual, including, for each emergency contact individual, his orher name, telephone number, cellular telephone number, text messagingnumber, e-mail address, or IP address, or any other information.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include any data and/orinformation regarding schedules, travel schedules, allowed travelroutes, disallowed travel route, allowed places, locations, or venues,disallowed places, locations, or venues, and/or limitations orrestrictions regarding any of same, for each user or individualmonitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus 100 ofthe present invention.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include, for each user orindividual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, theapparatus 100 of the present invention, data and/or informationregarding past travels, movements, or activities, including, but notlimited to, travel routes and dates and/or times of same, as well asfuture travel plans, movements, or activities, for each such user orindividual.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include, for each user orindividual who is being monitored, or who is to b monitored by, with, orusing, the apparatus 100 of the present invention, a pre-recorded aaudio message(s) and/or a pre-recorded audio and video message(s), whichcan be recorded by any person authorized to monitor the user orindividual and which can downloaded to the personal monitoring device 10at any time and/or for any reason. For example, an audio and/or an audioand video recording can be played at the personal monitoring device 10in order to assist, calm, or comfort, a lost child, to help re-orient achild, to give or provide the child or any one with whom the child comesinto contact with, instructions, contact information, emergency contactinformation, directions, or any other information, and/or can be playedat or via the personal monitoring device 10 in order to clam, comfort,or assist, a lost, disoriented, or ill, adult or child of any age, or togive or provide the child or any one with whom the child comes intocontact with, instructions, contact information, emergency contactinformation, directions, or any other information.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include any data and/orinformation for calculating, tracking, and/or monitoring, travel routesand travel activities for monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, orusing, the apparatus 100 of the present invention. The database 20H canalso contain and/or include any stored video and/or audio which isrecorded by any personal monitoring device 10, as well as any trackinginformation regarding the personal monitoring device 10 for any personalmonitoring device 10 utilized in connection with the apparatus 100 andmethod of the present invention.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include any data and/orinformation, as well as any software, software programs, algorithms,and/or software application, for enabling the central processingcomputer 20, any user communication device 30 associated with anauthorized user or individual, any authorized law enforcement personnel,or any authorized emergency services personnel, to access, to monitor orto monitor an operation of, or to control or to control an operation of,a personal monitoring device 10 user by or associated with a user orindividual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, theapparatus 100 of the present invention. In this regard, an authorizeduser, individual, or personnel can access, monitor, or control, arespective personal monitoring device 10 via the central processingcomputer 20.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include, for each user orindividual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, theapparatus 100 of the present invention, and for each user or individualwho is monitoring, or who is to be monitoring, any other user orindividual, an electronic healthcare record, an electronic medicalrecord, an electronic dental record, a healthcare record, and/or apersonal healthcare record, for the respective user or individual, whichcan include any data and/or information typically found in anyelectronic healthcare records, electronic medical records, electronicdental records, healthcare records, and/or personal healthcare records.The database 20H can also include for each user or individual,information regarding any healthcare conditions of the user orindividual, any medicines, medications, or drugs, the user or individualis taking or required to take, any allergies the user or individual mayhave, and/or any other information which may be needed or useful for theuser's or the individual's well being.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include any and/or all dataand/or information regarding any and/or all personal monitoring devices10, any other central processing computer(s) 20, any and/or all usercommunication devices 30, any and/or all law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40, any and/or emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50, and/or any and/or all healthcare records computer(s) 60,utilized in connection with the apparatus 100 of the present invention,as well any data and/or information stored therein, and/or any link(s)or hyperlink(s) to same or to any data and/or information stored insame.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include any and/or data and/orinformation described herein as being stored in any of theherein-described databases 10H, 30H, 40H, 50H, and/or 60H.

It is to also be understood that the database 20H, in a preferredembodiment, can also contain and/or include any data and/or information,and/or any software, software programs, algorithms, and/or softapplications, needed or desired, whether described herein or not, forallowing the central processing computer 10, the apparatus 100, and/orany of the herein-described personal monitoring devices 10, usercommunication devices 30, law enforcement communication device(s) 40,emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or anyand/or all healthcare records computer(s) 60, to perform the functionsdescribed herein as being performed and/or provided by the apparatus 100and method of the present invention and/or by the central processingcomputer 20, any personal monitoring device 10, any user communicationdevice 30, any law enforcement communication device 40, any emergencyservices provider communication device 50, and/or any healthcare recordscomputer 60.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include any software, softwareprogram(s), algorithm(s), or software applications (“apps”), such asthose known by those skilled in the art at the time of the filing ofthis application, which can be downloaded at any time to any personalmonitoring device 10, and which can allow the personal monitoring device10 to ascertain, determine, locate, and/or display, a location orposition of any user communication device 30 associated with any user orindividual, including, but not limited to, any user or individual who isto be monitoring the user or individual who is using or who isassociated with the personal monitoring device 10, or any otherauthorized or designated user or individual who might be able to provideassistance to the user or individual who is using or who is associatedwith the personal monitoring device 10.

The database 20H can also contain and/or include any software, softwareprogram(s), algorithm(s), or software applications (“apps”), such asthose known by those skilled in the art at the time of the filing ofthis application, which can be downloaded at any time to any usercommunication device 30, and which can allow the user communicationdevice 30 to ascertain, determine, locate, and/or display, a location orposition of any personal monitoring device 10 used by or associated withany user or individual who is being monitoring by the user or individualwho is using or who is associated with the user communication device 30.

In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 20H can also contain and/orinclude any software programs, software algorithms, and/or softwareapplications (“apps”) deemed to be necessary, desirable, and/or useful,in utilizing the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention inthe various embodiments described herein. In a preferred embodiment, thedatabase(s) 20H can also contain and/or include any other data and/orinformation deemed to be necessary, desirable, and/or useful, inutilizing the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention in thevarious embodiments described herein. The database(s) 20H can alsocontain and/or include any other data and/or information which is or maybe needed and/or desired in performing any and/or all of the featuresand/or functionality described herein as being provided by the apparatus100 of the present invention and/or the central processing computer 20.

The database(s) 20H can also contain and/or include any other dataand/or information which is or may be needed and/or desired inperforming any and/or all of the features and/or functionality describedherein as being generated by, and/or provided by, the apparatus 100 ofthe present invention and/or described herein as being generated by,and/or provided by, the central processing computer 10 and/or any of thecommunication devices or computers 10, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60.

The central processing computer 10 also includes an output device(s) 20Ifor outputting any of the data, information, messages and/or reports,described herein as being generated by or via the central processingcomputer 20. In the preferred embodiment, the output device(s) 20I canbe a printer, a display, a transmitter, a modem, and/or any other devicewhich can be used to output data or information of any kind or type. Inthe preferred embodiment, the output device(s) 20I is/are also connectedto, or linked with, the CPU 20A.

The central processing computer 20 also includes a video and/or audiorecording device(s) 20J which can include a camera and/or a videorecording device for recording pictures or video and/or video clipsand/or a microphone or an audio recording device for recording audio oraudio clips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by orfrom the central processing computer 20, or which can be recorded by,and stored at or in, the central processing computer 20 for transmissionby or from the central processing computer 20 at a later time. The videoand/or audio recording device(s) 20J can also be utilized to facilitateone-way broadcasts from the central processing computer 20, and/or canbe utilized to facilitate video conferencing, video chatting, and/oraudio conferencing, and/or video and audio conferencing, between usersof the central processing computer 20 and any of the herein-describedusers, individuals, providers, or entities, who or which utilize theapparatus 100 and method of the present invention. In the preferredembodiment, the video and/or audio recording device(s) 20J is/are alsoconnected to, or linked with, the CPU 20A.

FIG. 5 illustrates the user communication device 30 of FIG. 1, in blockdiagram form. The user communication device 30, in the preferredembodiment, can be a personal computer, a home computer, a laptopcomputer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-heldcomputer, a palmtop computer, a personal communication device, acellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, aSmartphone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a digitaltelevision, an interactive television, a digital television, atelephone, a digital telephone, a television, an interactive television,a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearabledevice, computer or communication device. The user communication device30 can also be a server computer, or any computer capable of beingutilized in a network or capable of being utilized with other computersin a network.

With reference to FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment, the usercommunication device 30 includes a central processing unit or CPU 30A,which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU 30A canalso be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or amainframe computer, depending upon the application.

The user communication device 30 also includes a random access memorydevice(s) 30B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 30C (ROM), each ofwhich is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 30A, and a user inputdevice 30D, for inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/orinstructions and/or commands into the user communication device 30,which can include any one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a userpointing device, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or anaudio input device and/or a video input device, and/or any device,electronic and/or otherwise which can be utilized for inputting and/orentering data and/or information and/or instructions and/or commandsinto the user communication device 30. The input device(s) 30D is/arealso connected to, or linked with, the CPU 30A.

The user communication device 30 also includes a display device 30E fordisplaying data and/or information to a user or operator. In thepreferred embodiment, the display device 30E is also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 30A. The user communication device 30 also includesa transmitter(s) 30F, for transmitting signals and/or data and/orinformation to any one or more of the personal monitoring device(s) 10,the central processing computer(s) 20, the law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40, the emergency services provider communication device(s)50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, and/or any other usercommunication device(s) 30, which can be utilized in conjunction withthe present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter(s)30F is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 30A. The usercommunication device 30 also includes a receiver(s) 30G, for receivingsignals and/or data and/or information from any one or more of thepersonal monitoring device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20,the law enforcement communication device(s) 40, the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare recordscomputer(s) 60, and/or any other user communication device(s) 30, whichcan be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In thepreferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 30G is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 30A.

The user communication device 30 also includes a database(s) 30H. In thepreferred embodiment, the database(s) 30H is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 30A. The database(s) 30H can contain and/or belinked to any of the data and/or information described herein as beingstored in the database(s) 20H as well as any data and/or informationdescribed herein as being stored in the database 10H of each user orindividual monitored by the user or individual who is associated with,or who uses the user communication device.

The database(s) 30H can contain and/or include data and/or informationregarding the user or the individual, or any users or individuals, whoor which utilize the user communication device 30, which can include,but which is not limited to, the user's or the individual's, or eachuser's or each individual's, name, address, telephone number(s),cellular telephone number(s), mobile or wireless telephone number(s),e-mail address or e-mail addresses, and/or text message, instantmessage, SMS message, or MMS message, IP address(es), or any othermessaging, telephone number, or other, address or identifier.

In a preferred embodiment, the database 30H can contain and/or caninclude any data and/or information, and/or any link or links to anydata and/or information, needed or desired for enabling and/or forallowing the user communication device 30H and/or the apparatus 100and/or any of the computers or communication devices described herein asbeing utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of thepresent invention to perform any and/or all of the functionalitydescribed herein which is capable of being performed by the usercommunication device 30 and/or the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention.

In a preferred embodiment, the database 30H can contain and/or caninclude any software, software programs, algorithms, or softwareapplications (“apps”) needed or desired for enabling and/or for allowingthe user communication device 30 and/or the apparatus 100 and/or any ofthe computers or communication devices described herein as beingutilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention to perform any and/or all of the functionality describedherein which is capable of being performed by the user communicationdevice 30 and/or the apparatus 100 of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 30H can contain and/or caninclude any data and/or information regarding the user communicationdevice 30, the name of the user or the individual, or any users orindividuals, including, but is not limited to, who utilize the usercommunication device 30, including, but not limited to, the user's orthe individual's name, address, home telephone number, e-mail address,IP address, test messaging number, text messaging address, cellulartelephone number, and the telephone number assigned to the usercommunication device 30, as well as the date of birth, gender, height,weight, identification photograph, social security number or any othersuitable identification information, and/or any other data and/orinformation regarding the user of the user communication device 30.

In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 30H can contain and/or caninclude, for each user or individual who is to be monitored or who isbeing monitored by, with, or using, the user communication device 30,any data and/or information regarding the user or the individual, or anyusers or individuals, including, but is not limited to, the user's orthe individual's name, address, home telephone number, e-mail address,IP address, test messaging number, text messaging address, cellulartelephone number, the telephone number assigned to the personalmonitoring device 10, date or birth, gender, height, weight,identification photograph, social security number or any other suitableidentification information, and/or any other data and/or informationregarding the user of the individual being to be monitored or is to bemonitored.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include for each user,individual, or person, who is to be monitored or who is being monitoredby, with, or using, the user communication device 30, any data and/orinformation regarding the user's. the individual's, or the person's,personal monitoring device 10 which can include, but which is notlimited to, the type of device, such as for example, a cellulartelephone, Smartphone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, or anyother device described herein which can be utilized as a personalmonitoring device 10, the manufacturing and model number of personalcommunication device 10, a serial number of the personal monitoringdevice 10, any other identifying data and/or information assigned to,associated with, or relating to, the personal monitoring device 10, thetelephone number associated with, or assigned to, the personalcommunication device 10, the cellular telephone number associated with,or assigned to, the personal communication device 10, the wireless ormobile telephone number associated with, or assigned to, the personalcommunication device 10, an IP address associated with, or assigned to,the personal monitoring device 10, an email address associated with, orassigned to the personal monitoring device 10, a text messaging numberassociated with, or assigned to, the personal monitoring device 10,and/or any other data and/or information associated with the personalmonitoring device 10. The database 30H can also contain and/or caninclude any of the above-described information for any other personalmonitoring device(s) 10 or any number of personal monitoring devices 10which is/are used by the user or individual being monitored or to bemonitored.

The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding the user or individual who uses the usercommunication device 30. In a preferred embodiment, the user orindividual who is using the user communication device 30 can be, but isnot limited to, a parent or parents, spouse, sibling, relative, friend,nanny, au pair, caregiver, teacher, employer, or any other person orentity, of the user or individual being monitored or to be monitored. Ina preferred embodiment, the database 30H can contain and/or can includethe name, address, telephone number, cellular telephone number, usercommunication device telephone number or cellular telephone number,e-mail address, IP address, text messaging number, and/or any other dataand/or information, and/or contact information, of, for, or regarding,the user or individual who is using the user communication device 30.The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any other dataand/or information, described herein as being stored for or regardingthe user or individual who uses the user communication device 30.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include, for each user orindividual being monitored by or to be monitored by, with, or using, theuser communication device 30, any data and/or information regardingplaces, locations, or venues, to which each user or individual beingmonitored by or to be monitored by the user communication device 30,travels. The database 30H can also contain and/or can include dataand/or information regarding the daily schedule or daily schedules of orfor the each user or individual being monitored by or to be monitoredby, with, or using, the user communication device 30, and/or any dataand/or information regarding the daily routine or daily routines of orfor the each user or individual being monitored by or to be monitoredby, with, or using, the user communication device 30, any places wherethe user or individual being monitored or to be monitored, is or has tobe at a given time, and/or any other data and/or information regardingthe daily routines, weekly routines, travel routines, travel routesused, alternate travel routes used, travel times and/or time of travelregarding any travel by, the user or individual being monitored or to bemonitored, and/or any other data and/or information regarding theroutines that can be utilized in performing a personal monitoringservice for or regarding each user, individual, or person, beingmonitored or to be monitored by, with, or using, the user communicationdevice 30.

For example, in the case of a child being monitored by, with, or using,the user communication device 30, the database 30H can contain and/orcan include, for that child, any data and/or information regarding thedaily weekday schedule for the child such as, for example, the child'shome address, the time or approximate time when the child leaves homefor school, a preferred travel route the child takes to go to school,any alternate travel routes to the school, the time or the approximatetime the child arrives at school or the time school starts for thechild, the time or the approximate time the child leaves school or thetime school ends for the day, a travel route to an after schoolactivity, if applicable, a travel route to the after school activity, analternate travel route to the after school activity, a time or anapproximate time of a travel to an after school activity, a time or anapproximate time when the child leaves the venue of the after schoolactivity, a travel route from the venue of the after school activity tothe child's home, a travel route to the child's home, an alternatetravel route to the child's home, and/or a time or an approximate timewhen the child is expected to arrive at home.

As and for another example, in the case of an adult of any age beingmonitored by, with, or using, the user communication device 30, thedatabase 30H can contain and/or can include, for that adult, any dataand/or information regarding the daily weekday schedule for the adultsuch as, for example, the adult's home address, the time or approximatetime when the adult leaves home for work or some other activity orvenue, a preferred travel route the adult takes to go to work or someother activity or venue, any alternate travel routes to the work,activity, or venue, the time or the approximate time the adult arrivesat work, the activity, or the venue, the time or the approximate timethe adult leaves work, the activity, or the venue, a travel route toanother activity or venue, if applicable, a travel route to the otheractivity or venue, an alternate travel route to the other or venue, atime or an approximate time of a travel to the other activity or venue,a time or an approximate time when the adult leaves the other activityor venue, a travel route from the other activity or venue back to theadult's home, a travel route to the adult's home, an alternate travelroute to the adult's home, and/or a time or an approximate time when theadult is expected to arrive at home.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include, for each user,individual, or person, being monitored by, with, or using, the usercommunication device 30, any data and/or information regarding anyschool(s), workplace(s), club(s), activity venue(s), recreationalvenue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any other place(s), location(s),and/or other venue(s), of the respective user, individual, or person,and/or to which the user, individual, or person, travels and/or at whichthe user, individual, or person, is known to spend time. The database30H can also contain and/or can include for each user, individual, orperson, being monitored by, with, or using, the user communicationdevice 30, any data and/or information regarding the location(s) of anyschool(s), workplace(s), club(s), activity venue(s), recreationalvenue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any other place(s), location(s),and/or other venue(s), of the respective user, individual, or person,which data and/or information can include the name, the address, thetelephone number, the website address, the IP address, a description ofsame, schedule information of or for same, and/or any other informationregarding same.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding any weekday or weekend day schedules oritineraries of any user, individual, or person, who is monitored by oris being monitored by, with, or using, the user communication device 30.The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding emergency contacts for the user of, or theindividual who uses, the user communication device 30, as well as anyinformation regarding any emergency contact for each user, individual,or person, monitored or being monitored by, with, or using, the usercommunication device 30, including, including, for the user or and/oreach user or individual monitored or being monitored by, with, or using,the user communication device 30, any data and/or information regardingeach respective emergency contact individual, his or her name, telephonenumber, cellular telephone number, text messaging number, e-mailaddress, or IP address, or any other information.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding any personal monitoring accounts associated withthe user communication device 30. The database 30H can also containand/or can include any data and/or information regarding any personsresponsible for monitoring the user or the individual who uses the usercommunication device 30 as well as any data and/or information regardingthe each user, individual, or person, who is to be monitored by, with,or using, the user communication device 30, including, but not limitedto, for each user, individual, or person, his or her name, telephonenumber, cellular telephone number, text messaging number, e-mailaddress, or IP address, or any other information. The database 30H canalso contain and/or can include any data and/or information regardingany and/or all personal monitoring devices 10 assigned to or associatedwith the user communication device 30 and/or can contain and/or caninclude any data and/or information regarding with any personalmonitoring accounts which are associated with, or which can be monitoredor serviced by, the user communication device 30.

The database 30H can also contains and/or can include any data and/orinformation regarding any of the personal monitoring devices 10, anycentral processing computer(s) 20, any other user communicationdevice(s) 30, any law enforcement communication device(s) 40, anyemergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or thehealthcare records computer(s) 60, described herein, and/or can containand/or can include any link(s) or hyperlink(s) to same.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include an electronichealthcare record of the user or the individual who is using the usercommunication device 30, as well an electronic healthcare record of eachuser, individual, or person, monitored by, with, or using, the usercommunication device 30, as well as any data and/or information whichmay be contained in the electronic healthcare record of each respectiveuser or individual, any personal healthcare record of each respectiveuser or individual, any data and/or information which may be containedin the personal healthcare record of each respective user or individual,any healthcare information regarding each respective user or individual,any information regarding any healthcare condition or special needs ofeach respective user or individual, any information regarding anymedicines, prescribed medications, drugs, or prescribed drugs, which areneeded by each respective user or individual, any information regardingany allergies of each respective user or individual, or any otherinformation regarding any healthcare conditions, needs, or treatments,of, for, or regarding, each respective user or individual. The database30H can also contain and/or can include a link or hyperlink to thehealthcare records computer 60 and/or to any pertinent records, data,and/or information, stored therein.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include data and/orinformation regarding the daily schedule for each weekday or eachweekend day for the each user, individual, or person, monitored by,with, or using, the user communication device 30, travel routestravelled for each day and trip, and/or time(s) associated with eachtrip or travel segment of each trip.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include, for any user,individual, or person, monitored by, with, or using, the usercommunication device 30, any data and/or information regarding the name,address, telephone number(s), cellular telephone number(s), mobile orwireless telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), text messagingaddress(es), IP address(es), or any other contact information for orregarding the user, individual, or person, or any users or individualsauthorized to monitor that user, individual, or person.

It is important to note, as used throughout the application, the term orphrase “text messaging number” includes any and all kinds of messagingnumbers, including, but not limited to, a text messaging number, an SMSmessaging number, and MMS messaging number, or any other number,address, or identifier, used or needed in order to send a text messageor any other message to any user, individual, person, or entity who orwhich uses the apparatus 100 of the present invention.

The database 30H can also contain and/or include any software, softwareprogram(s), algorithm(s), or software applications (“apps”), such asthose known by those skilled in the art at the time of the filing ofthis application, which can be downloaded at any time to the usercommunication device 30, and which can allow the user communicationdevice 30 to ascertain, determine, locate, and/or display, a location orposition of any personal monitoring device 10 used by or associated withany user or individual who is being monitoring by the user or individualwho is using or who is associated with the user communication device 30.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include navigation softwarefor allowing the user communication device 30 to calculate travelroutes, for the user or individual using the user communication device30, as well as for each and/or any user, individual, or person, or theirpersonal monitoring device 10, which is monitored or being monitored,by, with, or using, the user communication device 30, for travel fromone place or point to another, to detect departures from a travel routeand to re-calculate another travel route, and/or for allowing the usercommunication device 30 to calculate and/or store travel routes and/orany data and/or information regarding same as well as alternate travelroutes for same. The database 30H can also contain and/or can includeany data and/or information regarding allowed travel routes for anyuser, individual, or person, monitored or being monitored, by, with, orusing, the user communication device 30, as well as any disallowedtravel routes for the user, individual, or person, monitored or beingmonitored, by, with, or using, the user communication device 30. Thedatabase 30H can also contain and/or can include map data and/or mapinformation including, but not limited to, digitized map data and/orinformation and/or data and/or information for updating any map dataand/or information.

The database 30H can also contain and/or include, for any user,individual, or person, monitored or being monitored, by, with, or using,the user communication device 30, any data and/or information regardingtravel records for each respective user, individual, or person, whichcan contain and/or include data and/or information regarding a date andtime of travel and/or travel routes taken or travelled by, and/or anyother data and/or information regarding, the respective user,individual, or person, for or during any period of time or during and/orfor or relating to any schedule or routine.

The database 30H can also contain and/or include a pre-recorded audiomessage(s) and/or a pre-recorded audio and video message(s), which canbe recorded by any person authorized to monitor the user or individualand which can be uploaded to the central processing computer 20, and/orwhich can be transmitted to the personal monitoring device 10, at anytime, and which can be provided at and/or via the personal monitoringdevice 10 at any time and/or for any reason. For example, an audioand/or an audio and video recording can be played via the personalmonitoring device 10 in order to assist, calm, or comfort, a lost child,to help re-orient a child, to give or provide the child or any one withwhom the child comes into contact with, instructions, contactinformation, emergency contact information, directions, or any otherinformation, and/or can be played to clam, comfort, or assist, a lost,disoriented, or ill, adult or child of any age, or to give or providethe child or any one with whom the child comes into contact with,instructions, contact information, emergency contact information,directions, or any other information.

The database 30H can also contain and/or include any data and/orinformation, and/or any software, software programs, algorithms, orsoftware applications for controlling and/or monitoring any operation orfunction of any personal monitoring device 10 associated with any userof individual who is monitored or being monitored by, with, or using,the user communication device 30. The database 30H can also containand/or include any data and/or information, and/or any software,software programs, algorithms, or software applications for tracking theposition, location, or whereabouts, of any personal monitoring device 10associated with any user of individual who is monitored or to bemonitored by, with, or using, the user communication device 30.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any data,information, software, software programs, algorithms, and/or softwareapplications (or “apps”) which are needed or desired for allowing theuser communication device 30 to perform any and/or all of the functionsand/or functionality described herein as being capable of beingperformed by same and/or by the apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention.

The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any of the dataand/or information described herein as being stored in any of the otherdatabases 10H, 20H, 30H, 40H, 50H, and/or 60H, described herein.

The user communication device 30 also includes an output device(s) 301for outputting any of the data, information, and/or reports, describedherein as being generated by or via the user communication device 30. Inthe preferred embodiment, the output device(s) 301 can be a displayscreen, a speaker, a printer, a display of any type or kind, anindicator light, a transmitter, a modem, and/or any other device whichcan be used to output data or information of any kind or type. In thepreferred embodiment, the output device(s) 301 is/are also connected to,or linked with, the CPU 30A.

The user communication device 30 also includes a video and/or audiorecording device(s) 30J which can include a camera and/or a videorecording device for recording pictures or video and/or video clipsand/or a microphone or an audio recording device for recording audio oraudio clips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by orfrom the user communication device 30, or which can be recorded by, andstored at or in, the user communication device 30 for transmission by orfrom the user communication device 30 at a later time. The video and/oraudio recording device(s) 30J can be utilized to facilitate videoconferencing, video chatting, and/or audio conferencing, and/or videoand audio conferencing, between users of the user communication device30 and any user of any other computer or communication device 10, 20,30, 40, 50, or 60, described herein. In the preferred embodiment, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 30J is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 30A.

In another preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30 canalso include a “kill” switch or associated hardware and/or software (notshown) for disabling and/or deactivating the user communication device30 in instances when same might be lost or stolen, so as to prevent itsuse by another person and/or to prevent any access to any data and/orinformation stored therein, thereby rendering the user communicationdevice 30 useless to another person after being reported, or beingdiscovered, as being lost or stolen.

FIG. 6 illustrates the law enforcement communication device 40 of FIG.1, in block diagram form. The law enforcement communication device 40,in the preferred embodiment, can be a personal computer, a homecomputer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, atablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a personalcommunication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, amobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a personal digitalassistant, a digital television, an interactive television, a digitaltelevision, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television, aninteractive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smartwatch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication device. Thelaw enforcement communication device 40 can also be a server computer,or any computer capable of being utilized in a network or capable ofbeing utilized with other computers in a network.

With reference to FIG. 6, in the preferred embodiment, the lawenforcement communication device 40 includes a central processing unitor CPU 40A, which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. TheCPU 40A can also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer,and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon the application.

The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes a randomaccess memory device(s) 40B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 40C(ROM), each of which is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A, and auser input device 40D, for inputting and/or entering data and/orinformation and/or instructions and/or commands into the law enforcementcommunication device 40, which can include any one or more of akeyboard, a scanner, a user pointing device, such as, for example, amouse, a touch pad, and/or an audio input device and/or a video inputdevice, and/or any device, electronic and/or otherwise which can beutilized for inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/orinstructions and/or commands into the law enforcement communicationdevice 40. The input device(s) 40D is/are also connected to, or linkedwith, the CPU 40A.

The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes a displaydevice 40E for displaying data and/or information to a user or operator.In the preferred embodiment, the display device 40E is also connectedto, or linked with, the CPU 40A. The law enforcement communicationdevice 40 also includes a transmitter(s) 40F, for transmitting signalsand/or data and/or information to any one or more of the personalmonitoring device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the usercommunication device(s) 30, the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s)60, and/or any other the law enforcement communication device(s) 40,which can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In thepreferred embodiment, the transmitter(s) 40F is/are also connected to,or linked with, the CPU 40A. The law enforcement communication device 40also includes a receiver(s) 40G, for receiving signals and/or dataand/or information from any one or more of the personal monitoringdevice(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the usercommunication device(s) 30, the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s)60, and/or any other law enforcement communication device(s) 40, whichcan be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In thepreferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 40G is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 40A.

The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes a database(s)40H. In the preferred embodiment, the database(s) 40H is/are alsoconnected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A. The database(s) 40H cancontain and/or include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) orhyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the data and/orinformation described herein as being stored in the database(s) 10H,20H, and/or 30H, for any user or individual monitored, or to bemonitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention and/or for any personal monitoring account being serviced bythe apparatus 100 of the present invention. The database(s) 40H can alsocontain and/or include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) orhyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the data and/orinformation described herein as being stored in the database(s) 10H,20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or individual who or whichuses a user communication device 30 to monitor another user orindividual. The database(s) 40H can also contain and/or include, and/orcan contain and/or include a link(s) or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can belinked to or with, any of the data and/or information described hereinas being stored in the database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for orregarding any user or individual who or which uses a personal monitoringdevice 10 to allow himself or herself to be monitored by another user orindividual via the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention.

The database(s) 40H can also contain and/or include any data and/orinformation regarding the user or the individual, or any users orindividuals, who or which utilize any user communication device 30 orany user or individual who utilizes a personal monitoring device 10,which can include, but which is not limited to, the user's or theindividual's, or each user's or each individual's, name, address,telephone number(s), cellular telephone number(s), mobile or wirelesstelephone number(s), e-mail address or e-mail addresses, and/or textmessage, instant message, SMS message, or MMS message, or any othermessaging, telephone number or other address or identifier.

The database 40H can also contain and/or include any other data and/orinformation, and/or any software. software programs, algorithms, and/orsoftware applications, described herein or otherwise, which are neededor desired for enabling the law enforcement communication device 40 toperform any and/or all of the functions and/or functionality describedherein as being performed by same.

The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes an outputdevice(s) 401 for outputting any of the data, information, and/orreports, described herein as being generated by or via the lawenforcement communication device(s) 40. In the preferred embodiment, theoutput device 401 can be a display screen, a speaker, a printer, adisplay of any type or kind, an indicator light, a transmitter, a modem,and/or any other device which can be used to output data or informationof any kind or type. In the preferred embodiment, the output device(s)401 is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A.

The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes a video and/oraudio recording device(s) 40J which can include a camera and/or a videorecording device for recording pictures or video and/or video clipsand/or a microphone or an audio recording device for recording audio oraudio clips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by orfrom the law enforcement communication device 40, or which can berecorded by, and stored at or in, the law enforcement communicationdevice 40 for transmission by or from the law enforcement communicationdevice 40 at a later time. The video and/or audio recording device(s)40J can be utilized to facilitate video conferencing, video chatting,and/or audio conferencing, and/or video and audio conferencing, betweenusers of the law enforcement communication device 40 and any user of anyother computer or communication device 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60,described herein. The video and/or audio recording device(s) 40J canalso be utilized to facilitate one-way broadcasts from the lawenforcement communication device 40. In the preferred embodiment, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 40J is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 40A.

FIG. 7 illustrates the emergency services provider communication device50 of FIG. 1, in block diagram form. The emergency services providercommunication device 50, in the preferred embodiment, can be a personalcomputer, a home computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, atablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, apersonal communication device, a cellular telephone, a wirelesstelephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a personaldigital assistant, a digital television, an interactive television, adigital television, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television, aninteractive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smartwatch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication device. Theemergency services provider communication device 50 can also be a servercomputer, or any computer capable of being utilized in a network orcapable of being utilized with other computers in a network.

With reference to FIG. 7, in the preferred embodiment, the emergencyservices provider communication device 50 includes a central processingunit or CPU 50A, which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor.The CPU 50A can also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, amacro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon theapplication.

The emergency services provider communication device 50 also includes arandom access memory device(s) 50B (RAM), a read only memory device(s)50C (ROM), each of which is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 50A,and a user input device 50D, inputting and/or entering data and/orinformation and/or instructions and/or commands into the emergencyservices provider communication device 50, which can include any one ormore of a keyboard, a scanner, a user pointing device, such as, forexample, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or an audio input device and/or avideo input device, and/or any device, electronic and/or otherwise whichcan be utilized for inputting and/or entering data and/or informationand/or instructions and/or commands into the emergency services providercommunication device 50. The input device(s) 50D is/are also connectedto, or linked with, the CPU 50A.

The emergency services provider communication device 50 also includes adisplay device 50E for displaying data and/or information to a user oroperator. In the preferred embodiment, the display device 50E is alsoconnected to, or linked with, the CPU 50A. The emergency servicesprovider communication device 50 also includes a transmitter(s) 50F, fortransmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or moreof the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central processingcomputer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the law enforcementcommunication device(s) 40, and/or the healthcare records computer(s)60, and/or any other emergency services provider communication device(s)50, which can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. Inthe preferred embodiment, the transmitter(s) 50F is/are also connectedto, or linked with, the CPU 50A. The emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50 also includes a receiver(s) 50G, forreceiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one or more ofthe personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s)20, the user communication device(s) 30, law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, and/or anyother the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, whichcan be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In thepreferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 50G is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 50A.

The emergency services provider communication device 50 also includes adatabase(s) 50H. In the preferred embodiment, the database(s) 50H is/arealso connected to, or linked with, the CPU 50A. The database(s) 50H cancontain and/or include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) orhyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the data and/orinformation described herein as being stored in the database(s) 10H,20H, and/or 30H, for any user or individual monitored, or to bemonitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention and/or for any personal monitoring account being serviced bythe apparatus 100 of the present invention. The database(s) 50H can alsocontain and/or include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) orhyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the data and/orinformation described herein as being stored in the database(s) 10H,20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or individual who or whichuses a user communication device 30 to monitor another user orindividual. The database(s) 50H can also contain and/or include, and/orcan contain and/or include a link(s) or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can belinked to or with, any of the data and/or information described hereinas being stored in the database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for orregarding any user or individual who or which uses a personal monitoringdevice 10 to allow himself or herself to be monitored by another user orindividual via the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention.

The database(s) 50H can also contain and/or include any data and/orinformation regarding the user or the individual, or any users orindividuals, who or which utilize any user communication device 30 orany user or individual who utilizes a personal monitoring device 10,which can include, but which is not limited to, the user's or theindividual's, or each user's or each individual's, name, address,telephone number(s), cellular telephone number(s), mobile or wirelesstelephone number(s), e-mail address or e-mail addresses, and/or textmessage, instant message, SMS message, or MMS message, or any othermessaging, telephone number or other address or identifier.

The database 50H can also contain and/or include any other data and/orinformation, and/or any software. software programs, algorithms, and/orsoftware applications, described herein or otherwise, which are neededor desired for enabling the emergency services provider communicationdevice 50 to perform any and/or all of the functions and/orfunctionality described herein as being performed by same.

The emergency services provider communication device 50 also includes anoutput device(s) 50I for outputting any of the data, information, and/orreports, described herein as being generated by or via the emergencyservices provider communication device 50. In the preferred embodiment,the output device(s) 50I can be a display screen, a speaker, a printer,a display of any type or kind, an indicator light, a transmitter, amodem, and/or any other device which can be used to output data orinformation of any kind or type. In the preferred embodiment, the outputdevice(s) 50I is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 50A.

The emergency services provider communication device 50 also includes avideo and/or audio recording device(s) 50J which can include a cameraand/or a video recording device for recording pictures or video and/orvideo clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device forrecording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/ortransmitted live, by or from the emergency services providercommunication device 50, or which can be recorded by, and stored at orin, the emergency services provider communication device 50 fortransmission by or from the emergency services provider communicationdevice 50 at a later time. The video and/or audio recording device(s)50J can be utilized to facilitate video conferencing, video chatting,and/or audio conferencing, and/or video and audio conferencing, betweenusers of the emergency services provider communication device 50 and anyuser of any other computer or communication device 10, 20, 30, 40, 50,or 60, described herein. The video and/or audio recording device(s) 50Jcan also be utilized to facilitate one-way broadcasts from the emergencyservices provider communication device 50. In the preferred embodiment,the video and/or audio recording device(s) 50J is/are also connected to,or linked with, the CPU 50A.

FIG. 8 illustrates the healthcare records computer 60 of FIG. 1, inblock diagram form. The healthcare records computer 60, in a preferredembodiment, can also be any computer or computer system, or any group ofcomputers. The healthcare records computer 60, in the preferredembodiment, can also be a personal computer, a home computer, a laptopcomputer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-heldcomputer, a palmtop computer, a personal communication device, acellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, aSmartphone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a digitaltelevision, an interactive television, a digital television, atelephone, a digital telephone, a television, an interactive television,a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearabledevice, computer or communication device. The healthcare recordscomputer 60 can also be server computer, or any computer capable ofbeing utilized in a network or capable of being utilized with othercomputers in a network.

With reference to FIG. 8, in the preferred embodiment, the healthcarerecords computer 60 includes a central processing unit or CPU 60A, whichin the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU 60A can alsobe a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframecomputer, depending upon the application.

The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a random access memorydevice(s) 60B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 60C (ROM), each ofwhich is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 60A, and a user inputdevice 60D, for inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/orinstructions and/or commands into the healthcare records computer 60,which can include any one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a userpointing device, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or anaudio input device and/or a video input device, and/or any device,electronic and/or otherwise which can be utilized for inputting and/orentering data and/or information and/or instructions and/or commandsinto the healthcare records computer 60. The input device(s) 60D is/arealso connected to, or linked with, the CPU 60A.

The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a display device 60Efor displaying data and/or information to a user or operator. In thepreferred embodiment, the display device 60E is also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 60A. The healthcare records computer 60 alsoincludes a transmitter(s) 60F, for transmitting signals and/or dataand/or information to any one or more of the personal monitoringdevice(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the usercommunication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s)40, the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/orany other healthcare records computer(s) 60, which can be utilized inconjunction with the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, thetransmitter(s) 60F is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU60A. The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a receiver(s) 60G,for receiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one ormore of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central processingcomputer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the law enforcementcommunication device(s) 40, the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50, and/or any other healthcare recordscomputer(s) 60, which can be utilized in conjunction with the presentinvention. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 60G is/are alsoconnected to, or linked with, the CPU 60A.

The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a database(s) 60H. Inthe preferred embodiment, the database(s) 60H is/are also connected to,or linked with, the CPU 60A. The database(s) 60H can contain and/orinclude, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) or hyperlink(s) to,and/or can be linked to or with, any of the data and/or informationdescribed herein as being stored in the database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or30H, for any user or individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with,or using, the apparatus 100 of the present invention and/or for anypersonal monitoring account being serviced by the apparatus 100 of thepresent invention. The database(s) 60H can also contain and/or include,and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) or hyperlink(s) to, and/orcan be linked to or with, any of the data and/or information describedherein as being stored in the database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for orregarding any user or individual who or which uses a user communicationdevice 30 to monitor another user or individual. The database(s) 60H canalso contain and/or include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s)or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the dataand/or information described herein as being stored in the database(s)10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or individual who orwhich uses a personal monitoring device 10 to allow himself or herselfto be monitored by another user or individual via the apparatus 100 andmethod of the present invention.

The database 60H can also contain and/or include, for each user orindividual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, theapparatus 100 of the present invention, and for each user or individualwho is monitoring, or who is to be monitoring, any other user orindividual, an electronic healthcare record, an electronic medicalrecord, an electronic dental record, a healthcare record, and/or apersonal healthcare record, for the respective user or individual, whichcan include any data and/or information typically found in anyelectronic healthcare records, electronic medical records, electronicdental records, healthcare records, and/or personal healthcare records.The database 60H can also include for each user or individual,information regarding any healthcare conditions of the user orindividual, any medicines, medications, or drugs, the user or individualis taking or required to take, any allergies the user or individual mayhave, and/or any other information which may be needed or useful for theuser's or the individual's well being.

The database(s) 60H can also contain and/or include any data and/orinformation regarding the user or the individual, or any users orindividuals, who or which utilize any user communication device 30 orany user or individual who utilizes a personal monitoring device 10,which can include, but which is not limited to, the user's or theindividual's, or each user's or each individual's, name, address,telephone number(s), cellular telephone number(s), mobile or wirelesstelephone number(s), e-mail address or e-mail addresses, and/or textmessage, instant message, SMS message, or MMS message, or any othermessaging, telephone number or other address or identifier.

The database 60H can also contain and/or include any other data and/orinformation, and/or any software. software programs, algorithms, and/orsoftware applications, described herein or otherwise, which are neededor desired for enabling the healthcare records computer 60 to performany and/or all of the functions and/or functionality described herein asbeing performed by same.

The healthcare records computer 60 also includes an output device(s) 60Ifor outputting any of the data, information, and/or reports, describedherein as being generated by or via the healthcare records computer 60.In the preferred embodiment, the output device(s) 60I can be a displayscreen, a speaker, a printer, a display of any type or kind, anindicator light, a transmitter, a modem, and/or any other device whichcan be used to output data or information of any kind or type. In thepreferred embodiment, the output device(s) 60I is/are also connected to,or linked with, the CPU 60A.

The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a video and/or audiorecording device(s) 60J which can include a camera and/or a videorecording device for recording pictures or video and/or video clipsand/or a microphone or an audio recording device for recording audio oraudio clips which can be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by orfrom the healthcare records computer 60, or which can be recorded by,and stored at or in, the healthcare records computer 60 for transmissionby or from the healthcare records computer 60 at a later time. The videoand/or audio recording device(s) 60J can be utilized to facilitate videoconferencing, video chatting, and/or audio conferencing, and/or videoand audio conferencing, between users of the healthcare records computer60 and any user of any other computer or communication device 10, 20,30, 40, 50, or 60, described herein. The video and/or audio recordingdevice(s) 60J can also be utilized to facilitate one-way broadcasts fromthe healthcare records computer 60. In the preferred embodiment, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 60J is/are also connected to, orlinked with, the CPU 60A.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention can be utilized to monitor an individual or individuals of anyage. In this regard, the apparatus 100 and/or the personal monitoringdevice 10 can be utilized to monitor any child, infant, teenager oryoung adult, adult of any age, and/or elderly individual. In a preferredembodiment, the apparatus 100 apparatus 100 and/or the personalmonitoring device 10 can also be utilized to monitor any child, infant,teenager or young adult, adult of any age, and/or elderly individual,who may or may not be inflicted with a condition, illness, or disease,or who may or may not be inflicted with autism, Alzheimer's disease,memory loss, or be ill with any temporary or permanent illness,sickness, disease, or condition. In a preferred embodiment, theapparatus 100 apparatus 100 and/or the personal monitoring device 10 canalso be utilized to monitor any child, infant, teenager or young adult,adult of any age, and/or elderly individual, as a safety precaution.

In a preferred embodiment, any user or individual who utilizes apersonal monitoring device 10, or who has a personal monitoring device10 assigned to him or her, or who has a personal monitoring device 10associated with him or her, can be referred to herein, or can be definedherein as being, a “monitored individual”. In a preferred embodiment,any user or individual who utilizes a user communication device 30 tomonitor a monitored individual can be referred to herein, or can bedefined herein as being, a “monitoring individual”.

In a preferred embodiment, it is envisioned that a personal monitoringdevice 10 can be programmed with, or can have stored therein ortherewith, information regarding the monitored individual's homeaddress, residence address, school residence address or place, workplaceaddress, or other address, place, or location, which is considered to bethat monitored individual's place of safety or “home base” or “safelocation”. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisioned that the personalmonitoring device 10 can be programmed with, or can have stored thereinor therewith, information regarding any address(es), place(s), orlocation(s), to which the monitored individual typically travels on adaily basis. For example, the personal monitoring device 10 can beprogrammed with, or have stored therein or therewith, informationregarding the monitored individual's school address, place, or location,workplace address, place, or location, employment address, place, orlocation, activity or event address, place, or location, or any otheraddress, place, or location, to which the monitored individual is knownto travel on a weekday basis, on a weekend daily basis, or on any dailybasis.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also beprogrammed with the monitored individual's travel itineraries and/ortravel schedules for traveling to and between one address, place, orlocation to another address, place, or location. In a preferredembodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also be programmedwith travel routes or directions for traveling to and between oneaddress, place, or location to another address, place, or location. In apreferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also beprogrammed with software programs, navigation programs, or anyalgorithms or software applications, for identifying, determining,ascertaining, or calculating, any travel routes or directions fortraveling to and between one address, place, or location to anotheraddress, place, or location.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can beutilized in connection with, or in conjunction with, the apparatus 100,the central processing computer 20, a user communication device 30associated with, or used by, any user or individual authorized to, orassigned to, monitor the monitored individual, any law enforcementcommunication device 40, and/or any emergency services providercommunication device 50. In another preferred embodiment, the personalmonitoring device 10 can also be utilized as a stand-alone device by themonitored individual to allow the monitored individual to monitor his orher travels, whereabouts, or environment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a preferred embodiment method for utilizingthe apparatus 100 and method of the present invention to monitor amonitored individual, in flow diagram form. While the preferredembodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B is described and illustrated as being usedto monitor a child, it is important to note that the preferredembodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B can be utilized in a same, a similar,and/or an analogous, manner in order to monitor any person or individualof any age and/or any person and/or individual in any kind of physical,mental, or emotional, condition. While the preferred embodiment of FIGS.9A and 9B is described and illustrated as being used to monitor a childin or during his or her whereabouts and/or travels one place to another,it is also important to note the present invention can also be utilizedin a same, a similar, and/or an analogous, manner in order to monitorthe child in or during his or her whereabouts and/or travels one placeto another, during any given period of time and/or during the course ofa day, and/or to monitor any person or individual, of any age, in orduring his or her whereabouts and/or travels one place to another,during any given period of time and/or during the course of a day.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the operation of the apparatus 100commences at step 900. At step 901, the personal monitoring device 10can be activated to operate so as to determine, ascertain, and/ormonitor, the child's location or whereabouts. Depending upon the time ofthe particular day and the schedule of the child, the personalmonitoring device 10 can determine the child's position or location andcan determine such to be at an address, place, or location, where thechild should be at that particular time. For example, at 9:30 AM on aMonday morning during a school year, it is expected that the child canbe at his or her school. In a preferred embodiment, the child's travelitinerary or information regarding same can be stored in the database10H of the personal monitoring device 10 and can include informationindicating that the child should leave school at approximately 3:00 PMand travel back to his or her home, either by be driven in a vehicle ora school bus, or by riding a bicycle, or by walking, or by travel by anyother mode of travel.

At step 902, the personal monitoring device 10 can detect the child'smovement from his or her school, such as by monitoring and/or comparinga change in the child's position or location as determined by utilizingthe GPS system of the personal monitoring device 10. At step 902, upondetecting the child's movement and the time of same, the personalmonitoring device 10, if determining the time to be approximately 3:00PM, can identify the child's preferred travel route back home. In apreferred embodiment, the child's preferred travel route from his or herschool back to his or her home can be pre-selected and can bepre-programmed by his or her parent, or guardian, or any othercaregiver, or other authorized person (a herein-defined “monitoringindividual”) and can be stored in the personal monitoring device 10. Atstep 902, the personal monitoring device 10 will determine or ascertainthe preferred travel route the child should be taking back home and willmonitor the child's travel along that preferred travel route. From thispoint on, the preferred travel route can simply be referred to as the“travel route”.

At step 903, the personal monitoring device 10 can await a detectionthat the child has deviated from the travel route, or has gone offcourse from the travel route. Upon detecting that the child has deviatedfrom the travel route, or has gone off course from the travel route, theoperation of the personal monitoring device 10 will proceed to step 904.At step 904, the personal monitoring device 10, in a preferredembodiment, can perform any one or more of a number of functions oroperations in response to the detection of the child deviating from thetravel route.

In a preferred embodiment, at step 904, the personal monitoring device10, and in particular, the CPU 10A can generate a travel route deviationmessage. The travel route deviation message can contain and/or includethe time and/or place, position, or location, when and/or where thechild deviated from or left the travel route and the child's currentplace, position, or location. The travel route deviation message canalso include information regarding the portion of the child's itineraryassociated with the travel route from which the child has deviated. Forexample, as in the example of the preferred embodiment when the childhas deviated from his or her travel back home from school, the travelroute deviation message can also contain information indicating that thechild has deviated from the travel route he or she was taking to go homefrom school.

At step 905, the personal monitoring device 10 can automaticallytransmit the travel route deviation message to the user communicationdevice 30 which is used by, associated with, or assigned to, themonitoring individual for the child. In a preferred embodiment, forexample, the monitoring individual can be a parent, a grandparent, asibling, a relative, a friend, a guardian, or any other authorizedperson. In a situation where the child may be monitored by more than onemonitoring individual, then the personal monitoring device 10, at step905, can transmit the travel route deviation message to the usercommunication device 30 which is used by, associated with, or assignedto, each and every monitoring individual for the child. In a preferredembodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can generate and transmitupdated travel route deviation messages at any pre-determined orpre-selected time intervals.

At step 905, the personal monitoring device 10 can also automaticallytransmit the travel route deviation message to the central processingcomputer 20 so as to report the child's travel route deviation to thecentral processing computer 20 and to any company or entity whichoperates same. At step 905, the personal monitoring device 10 can alsoautomatically transmit the travel route deviation message to the lawenforcement communication devices 40 of or associated with each lawenforcement agency or department associated with the city, town,municipality, or political subdivision, in which the child was detectedas having deviated from the travel route, as well as to each lawenforcement communication device(s) 40 of or associated with anyneighboring cities, towns, municipalities, or political subdivisions. Atstep 905, the personal monitoring device 10 can also automaticallytransmit the travel route deviation message to the emergency servicesprovider communication device 50 of or associated with the emergencyservices provider agency or department of or for the city, town,municipality, or political subdivision, in which the child was detectedas having deviated from the travel route, as well as to each emergencyservices provider communication device 50 of or associated with anyneighboring cities, towns, municipalities, or political subdivisions. Atstep 905, the travel route deviation message can be received by the usercommunication device 30, and by each central processing computer 20and/or law enforcement communication device 40 and/or emergency servicesprovider communication device 50 to which it was sent.

At step 905, the personal monitoring device 10 can also obtain,determine, read, or record, any physiological or healthcare informationregarding the child such as, for example, but not limited to, thechild's heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, bloodsugar level, or any other healthcare information or healthcare-relateddata and/or information, or any other physical condition, physiologicalcondition, or healthcare condition, which can be measured or measurableby any wearable device or by any implanted device or implantable devicewhich can be obtained by or using any of the respective andherein-described devices, equipment, monitors, or measurement devices,which can be wearable or non-wearable and/or which can be connected toor with, or wirelessly linked to or with the personal monitoring device10 and/or the CPU 10A of same. Any data and/or information obtainedregarding any of the herein-described data and/or information can alsobe included in the travel route deviation message and/or in anysubsequently generated and transmitted travel route deviation messagesor updated travel route deviation messages. For example, in addition tothe child's current position or location, information regarding thechild's heart rate, body temperature, or any other healthcareinformation can be provided in the travel route deviation message.

In another preferred embodiment, the travel route deviation message canalso contain and/or include the temperature of the environment in whichthe child is located, which can be exterior temperature if the child andthe personal monitoring device 10 is located outdoors, or an interiortemperature if the child and the personal monitoring device 10 arelocated indoors.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10, at step905, can also initiate a cellular or wireless telephone call to the usercommunication 30 of the monitoring individual. In another preferredembodiment, if more than one monitoring individuals are associated withthe child, then the personal monitoring device 10 can initiate acellular or wireless telephone call, and/or a telephone conference call,to and/or so as to include the child and all monitoring individuals forthe child. In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoringdevice 10 can initiate a cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or atelephone conference call, to and/or so as to include at least onemonitoring individual and a law enforcement officer or individual, viaand/or by including a respective law enforcement communication device40, and/or an emergency services provider individual or person viaand/or by including an emergency services provider communication device50.

In a preferred embodiment, the cellular or wireless telephone call canbe made so as to put the child into live contact with, and/or into livecommunication with, the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals,and/or so as to put the child and the monitoring individual ormonitoring individuals into live contact with, and/or into livecommunication with, law enforcement personnel and/or emergency servicespersonnel.

In a preferred embodiment, at step 905, once the cellular or wirelesstelephone call and/or any conference line involving the monitoringindividual or monitoring individuals, and/or any law enforcement lawenforcement personnel and/or emergency services personnel, has been madeand, with the call line and/or conference line being live and/oron-going, the personal monitoring device 10 can de-activate the personalmonitoring device's 10 telephone call on/off switch, or on/off switchfunctionality, on or in the personal monitoring device 10 so that thepersonal monitoring device 10 cannot be disconnected from the telephonecall and/or the conference line. In a preferred embodiment, theherein-described de-activation of the telephone call on/off switch, oron/off switch functionality, of the personal monitoring device 10 can beeffectuated by using, and/or by programming the personal monitoringdevice 10, with or using any appropriate and/or suitable softwareprogram, algorithm, or software application. In a preferred embodiment,the personal monitoring device 10 can also be programmed and/or equippedso as to detect being disconnected from, or dropped from, the telephonecall and/or conference call, and can automatically re-connect to thetelephone call and/or to the conference call. It is to be understood,that any of the herein-described personal monitoring device(s) 10, usercommunication device(s) 30, law enforcement communication device(s) 40,and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, can beequipped with long lasting batteries or power sources, externalbatteries or power sources, and/or any other supplemental batteries orpower sources so as to ensure that sufficient electrical power isavailable and can be supplied to any of the herein-described personalmonitoring device(s) 10, user communication device(s) 30, lawenforcement communication device(s) 40, and/or an emergency servicesprovider communication device(s) 50.

In a preferred embodiment, the herein-described functionality ofestablishing a cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or conferencecall, can allow the child to be brought into, and to be maintained in,live contact with and/or live communication with, his or her monitoringindividual or one or more monitoring individuals, and/or with any numberof law enforcement personal and/or emergency services personnel. In thismanner, the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals, and/or anylaw enforcement personnel and/or emergency services personnel, can speakwith the child, can comfort or reassure the child that all will be okay,and/or can ascertain the child's whereabouts, while the child my be lostor off track. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device10 can activate the speakerphone, and/or any speakers and/or microphone,of same for and/or during the cellular or wireless telephone call and/orconference call.

In a preferred embodiment, any activation or use of a speakerphonefunctionality of the personal monitoring device 10 can also be utilizedin order to establish or facilitate an intercom, or anintercommunication or intercom-like, communication platform or systemwhich can provide for open communication involving or between the child,any individual or person coming into contact with the child, and themonitoring individual, and/or any law enforcement personnel, emergencyservices personnel, or any operator of the central processing computer20.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 905, activate any camera, any video recording device orequipment, any microphone, or any audio recording device, of same,and/or any device or equipment of the video and/or audio recordingdevice(s) 10J of same, for and/or during the cellular or wirelesstelephone call and/or conference call.

In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can,at step 905, activate one or more indicator lights 18 or 19 on thepersonal monitoring device 10 which can be used to indicate that thechild is currently outside of his or her “safe” zone of travel. As notedherein, the personal monitoring device 10 can be provided with one ormore indicator lights 18 or 19 which can be used to indicate when thechild is inside or within his or her “safe” zone of travel and one ormore indicator lights 18 or 19 which can be used to indicate when thechild is not in, or outside, of his or her “safe” zone of travel. In apreferred embodiment, when the child is inside or within his or her“safe” zone of travel, one or more of these indicator lights 18 or 19can be lit or illuminated with a green light. In a preferred embodiment,when the child is outside of his or her “safe” zone of travel, one ormore of these indicator lights 18 or 19 can be lit or illuminated with ared light. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10and/or the CPU 10A can, at step 905, activate or cause one or more ofthe indicator lights 18 or 19 to be lit or illuminated in red. In thisregard, any individual or person who may see, or come into contact withthe child can be notified, by seeing the red lights on the personalmonitoring device 10, that the child may be lost or otherwise in need ofassistance. In a preferred embodiment, any indicator lights can also beprovided via the display screen or in or via a portion or section of thedisplay screen.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 905, activate any camera, any video recording device orequipment, any microphone, or any audio recording device, of same,and/or any device or equipment of the video and/or audio recordingdevice(s) 10J of same, for obtaining pictures, video information, videoclips, audio information, or audio clips, of the child, or anyindividual's or person who or may come into contact with the child,and/or of any of the child's surroundings, environment, or location. Ina preferred embodiment, any pictures, video information, video clips,audio information, or audio clips, recorded by and at the personalmonitoring device 10 can be transmitted to, and stored by or in, each ofthe user communication device 30 of the monitoring individual, each usercommunication device 30 of each monitoring individual, the centralprocessing computer 20, or any law enforcement communication device(s)40, and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s) 50. Inthis regard, any audio or video which can be used to ascertain thechild's location or which can be used to ascertain any individuals orpersons with the child or who the child may have come into contact with,can be recorded by the personal monitoring device 10 and transmitted to,and/or viewed and/or listened to, and/or stored, via or at each of theuser communication device 30 of the monitoring individual, each usercommunication device 30 of each monitoring individual, the centralprocessing computer 20, or any law enforcement communication device(s)40, and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s) 50.

In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 canalso, at step 905, begin to, or can continue to, track the child'smovements and can generate tracking update messages at any pre-selectedtime interval(s), containing information regarding the child'slocation(s), movement(s), and speed of travel or movement. In apreferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10, as well as thecentral processing computer(s) 20, the user communication(s) 30, the lawenforcement communication device(s) 40, and/or the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s) 50, can be equipped with software tocalculate or otherwise determine the child's speed of movement. In thismanner, depending on the speed of movement of the child, it can bedetermined if the child is traveling in or on a vehicle or is travelingon foot. In a preferred embodiment, the tracking update messages can beautomatically transmitted, at periodic time intervals, from the personalmonitoring device 10 to the user communication(s) 30 of the monitoringindividual(s), and/or, or as well as, to the central processingcomputer(s) 20, the user communication(s) 30, the law enforcementcommunication device(s) 40, and/or the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50.

In a preferred embodiment, information regarding the child's movementcan be displayed and/or tracked on or via a digital or satellite mapwhich can be displayed on the display device of the respective usercommunication(s) 30, the central processing computer(s) 20, the lawenforcement communication device(s) 40, and/or the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s) 50. In a preferred embodiment, theinformation regarding the child's movement can also be displayed and/ortracked on or via a digital or satellite map which can be displayed onthe display screen 12 of the personal monitoring device 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 905, activate a homing beacon or beacon of the personalmonitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the homing beacon orbeacon of the personal monitoring device 10 can transmit or provide asignal, a distress signal, or any other indication, which can beutilized in connection with a corresponding receiver, which can beprovided in or with each of the user communication device(s) 30, thecentral processing computer(s) 20, the law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40, and/or the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50, and which can allow for any user or operator of suchdevice(s) or computers 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, to track and/or to “home”in on or locate the child. In a preferred embodiment, the equipment andtechnology which can be used to implement the beacon or homing beaconand any associated receivers can be the same as, similar to, oranalogous to, the technology which was used in vehicle tracking devicessuch as Lo-Jack® systems and/or any other vehicle recovery systems orany other suitable vehicle tracking and locating systems which are knownby those skilled in the art of vehicle recovery systems. Any of theherein-described users or operators of any of the herein-describeddevice(s) or computers 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, can thereafter usehis/her/its respective device(s) or computer 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, inorder to “home” in on the signals transmitted from or emitted from thebeacon or homing beacon.

In a preferred embodiment, at step 905, the personal monitoring device10 can also play any pre-recorded messages or video clips or audioclips, which messages, video clips, or audio clips, to the child via thedisplay screen 12 and speakers 16. In a preferred embodiment, thepre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips can be pre-recordedby the monitoring individual or by any number of monitoring individuals,and can be stored in the personal monitoring device 10. The pre-recordedmessages or video clips or audio clips can be used in order to comfortthe child or calm the child down, if needed, by providing him or herwith the voice and/or image of the monitoring individual or monitoringindividuals. The pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips canalso contain or include contact information for the child or his or hermonitoring individual, name and address of the child, contact telephonenumbers, contact e-mail addresses, contact text message, MMS message, orSMS message, numbers, IP addresses, ad/or any other information, and/orcan contain any instructions and/or information needed for caring forthe child, including any medications or drugs which the child requiresand/or any other healthcare needs or any special needs of the child. Inthis regard, the pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips canalso contain or include any information which any individual or personmay need or find helpful in assisting the child until the child is foundor recovered.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 905, provide information, and/or a link to information,regarding or contained in the healthcare records of the child. In apreferred embodiment, any information contained in the child'shealthcare records can be stored in the personal monitoring device 10.In another preferred embodiment, a link or a hyperlink to the child'shealthcare records can be provided via the personal monitoring device 10so as to allow any individual or person to gain access to the child'shealthcare records, which healthcare records can be stored in or at thecentral processing computer 20, the user communication device 30 of amonitoring individual, or the healthcare records computer 60. In apreferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can provideinformation, and/or a link to information, regarding any healthcareneeds of the child or any special needs of the child.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 905, provide information regarding any instructions ordirections for guiding the child back onto his or her travel route. Inanother preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can, atstep 905, activate or turn on a flashlight or a flashlightfunctionality, and/or a strobe light or a strobe light functionality.

In a preferred embodiment, at any time during step 905 and/or at anyother time, the user communication device 30 can generate and/or cantransmit a control signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in orderto enable, disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, ormonitor an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or anycomponent, system, device, or equipment, of same. In this regard, theuser communication device 30 can generate and/or can transmit a controlsignal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable,activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operationof, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,device, or equipment, of same, including, but not limited to, the CPU10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s) 10E, thetransmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s) 10I, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K, any ofthe device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12, the displaysection 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s) 15, thespeaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.

In a preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30 can also, atstep 905 and/or at any other time, transmit the control signal over anyappropriate communication network(s) to the personal monitoring device10. In another preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30can transmit the control signal over the appropriate communicationnetwork(s) to the personal monitoring device 10 via the centralprocessing computer 20.

In another preferred embodiment, the central processing computer 20 canalso, at step 905 and/or at any other time, can generate and/or cantransmit a control signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in orderto enable, disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, ormonitor an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or anycomponent, system, device, or equipment, of same. In this regard, theuser communication device 30 can generate and/or can transmit a controlsignal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable,activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operationof, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,device, or equipment, of same, including, but not limited to, the CPU10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s) 10E, thetransmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s) 10I, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K, any ofthe device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12, the displaysection 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s) 15, thespeaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.

In another preferred embodiment, any authorized law enforcementcommunication device 40 and/or any authorized emergency servicesprovider communication device 50 can also, at step 905 and/or at anyother time, can generate and/or can transmit a control signal to thepersonal monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable, activate,de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operation of, thepersonal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system, device, orequipment, of same. In this regard, any authorized law enforcementcommunication device 40 and/or any authorized emergency servicesprovider communication device 50 can generate and/or can transmit acontrol signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable,disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor anoperation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component,system, device, or equipment, of same, including, but not limited to,the CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s) 10E, thetransmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s) 10I, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K, any ofthe device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12, the displaysection 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s) 15, thespeaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.

In a preferred embodiment, the law enforcement communication device 40and/or the emergency services provider communication device 50 can also,at step 905 and/or at any other time, transmit the control signal overany appropriate communication network(s) to the personal monitoringdevice 10. In another preferred embodiment, the law enforcementcommunication device 40 and/or the emergency services providercommunication device 50 can transmit the control signal over theappropriate communication network(s) to the personal monitoring device10 via the central processing computer 20.

In a preferred embodiment, at step 905, the personal monitoring device10 and/or the CPU 10A can continue determining and tracking the child'sposition or location by using the GPS device 10K. In a preferredembodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A, at anypre-defined or pre-selected time interval, which in a preferredembodiment can be one (1) minute or any other suitable time interval,and while any and/or all functionality described herein as beingperformed at step 905, can determine if the child made it back onto hisor her travel route and/or can determine if the child has been found. Inthis regard, the operation of the personal monitoring device 10 canproceed to step 906 and the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU10A can determine if the child is back on his or her travel route or candetermine if the child has been found and that an instruction to resetthe personal monitoring device 10 has been received by the personalmonitoring device 10 or has been input into the personal monitoringdevice 10.

If, at step 906, it is determined that the child is back on his or hertravel route, or that the child has been found, or that an instructionto reset the personal monitoring device 10 has been received by thepersonal monitoring device 10 or has been input into the personalmonitoring device 10, then the operation of the apparatus 100 will ceaseat step 907. Thereafter, the personal monitoring device 10 can be resetfor future use. If at step 906, it is determined that the child hasstill not made it back to his or her travel route, or that the child hasstill not been found, or that no instruction to reset the personalmonitoring device 10 has been received by the personal monitoring device10 or has been input into the personal monitoring device 10, then theoperation of the apparatus 100 will return to, or continue on asdescribed during, step 905 as described herein. The apparatus 100 willthereafter continue to function and/or operate at steps 905 and 906until it is determined by the personal monitoring device 10 and/or theCPU 10A that the child is found to be back on his or her travel route,or the child has been found, or until an instruction to reset thepersonal monitoring device 10 has been received by the personalmonitoring device 10 or has been input into the personal monitoringdevice 10.

Although described herein as being utilized to monitor a child, it isimportant to note that the apparatus 100 and the personal monitoringdevice 10 of FIGS. 9A and 9B can be utilized in a same, a similar,and/or an analogous, manner to monitor individuals of any age, includingbut not limited to infants, children, adolescents, teenagers, adults ofany age, elderly individuals, individuals having no healthcare issues,conditions, problems, or challenges, and/or individuals havinghealthcare issues, conditions, problems, or challenges. The apparatus100 and method of the present invention as well as the apparatus ofFIGS. 9A and 9B can be used to monitor children who may be afflictedwith autism, or any disabilities, or who may lack communications skills,and/or who may have other conditions, as well as individuals of any agewho are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or Dementia, o any otherhealthcare conditions. The apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention as well as the apparatus of FIGS. 9A and 9B can be used tomonitor individuals of any age who may have no healthcare conditions orproblems, but who might want to simply utilize the apparatus 100 andmethod of the present inventions for the numerous benefits it canprovide.

In a preferred embodiment, any of the functions and/or functionalitydescribed herein as being performed by the personal monitoring device 10at or during step 905 can be pre-programmed into the personal monitoringdevice 10 beforehand by any authorized individual and/or by a monitoringindividual. In a preferred embodiment, any of the functions and/orfunctionality described herein as being performed by the personalmonitoring device 10 at or during step 905 can be changed or can bere-programmed at any time. In another preferred embodiment, anyfunctions and/or functionality described herein as being performed bythe personal monitoring device 10 at or during step 905 can also beenabled, disabled, activated, deactivated, or controlled, or monitored,by or via the user communication device 30, the central processingcomputer 20, the law enforcement communication device 40, or theemergency services provider communication device 50.

In a preferred embodiment, as well as in any and/or all of theembodiments described herein, a personal monitoring account can becreated or established for any monitored individual with whom theapparatus 100 and method of the present invention can be utilized. Inthis regard, a personal monitoring account can be established for amonitored individual and can be registered with the central processingcomputer 20, and/or with any law enforcement departments and/or agenciesand/or with an emergency services providers departments and/or agenciesso that the central processing computer 20 and the respective lawenforcement communication devices 40 and/or emergency services providerscommunication devices 50 can has records and information for orregarding any monitored individuals and the respective individual whoare to be monitoring them (the so-call “monitoring individuals”). Any ofthe data and/or information described herein as being stored in any ofthe databases 10H, 20H, 30H, 40H, 50H, and/or 60H, of any of theherein-described personal monitoring devices 10, central processingcomputers 20, user communication devices 30, law enforcementcommunication devices 40, emergency services providers communicationdevices 50, and/or healthcare records computers 60, can be stored in arespective monitored individuals personal monitoring account.

In another preferred embodiment, the operation of the apparatus 100and/or the personal monitoring device 10 can be triggered by, or can beactivated by or in response to the actions of, a monitoring individual.In a preferred embodiment, a monitoring individual can utilize asoftware application or a software “app” in order to determine theposition or location of the monitored individual. The softwareapplication or software “app”, in a preferred embodiment, should becapable of determining the position or location of the monitoredindividual at any time and/or on demand by the monitoring individual. Inanother preferred embodiment, the monitoring individual can also performa “pinging” operation in order to utilize a communications servicesprovider or any other suitably equipped entity in order to “ping” ordetermine the position or location of the monitored individual.

In a preferred embodiment, at any time, a monitoring individual caneither utilize a software application or a software “app” on his or heruser communication device 30, or can “ping” the personal monitoringdevice 10 of or associated by the monitored individual, in order todetermine the position or location of the monitored individual and/or todetermine if the monitored individual is at an expected place orlocation, is traveling on an appropriate travel route at that point orinstant in time, or is at an unexpected or unapproved place or location,or has deviated from an appropriate travel route at that point orinstant in time. If the monitored individual is determined to be at anunexpected or unapproved place or location, or has deviated from anappropriate travel route at that point or instant in time, themonitoring individual can activate the apparatus 100 and utilize same tofind or locate, or otherwise provide assistance to, the monitoredindividual.

As described herein, any user or individual who utilizes a personalmonitoring device 10, or who has a personal monitoring device 10assigned to him or her, or who has a personal monitoring device 10associated with him or her, can again be referred to herein, or can bedefined herein as being, a “monitored individual”. As also describedherein, any user or individual who utilizes a user communication device10 to monitor a monitored individual can be referred to herein, or canbe defined herein as being, a “monitoring individual”.

As described herein, it is envisioned that a personal monitoring device10 can be programmed with, or have stored therein or therewith,information regarding the monitored individual's home address, residenceaddress, school residence address or place, workplace address, or otheraddress, place, or location, which is considered to be that monitoredindividual's place of safety or “home base” or “safe location”. In apreferred embodiment, it is envisioned that the personal monitoringdevice 10 can be programmed with, or have stored therein or therewith,information regarding any address(es), place(s), or location(s), towhich the monitored individual typically travels on a daily basis. Forexample, the personal monitoring device 10 can be programmed with, orhave stored therein or therewith, information regarding the monitoredindividual's school address, place, or location, workplace address,place, or location, employment address, place, or location, activity orevent address, place, or location, or any other address, place, orlocation, to which the monitored individual is known to travel on aweekday basis, on a weekend daily basis, or on any daily basis.

As also described herein, the personal monitoring device 10 can also beprogrammed with the monitored individual's travel itineraries and/ortravel schedules for traveling to and between one address, place, orlocation to another address, place, or location. In this regard, thepersonal monitoring device 10 can also be programmed with travel routesor directions for traveling to and between one address, place, orlocation to another address, place, or location. As also noted herein,in a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also beprogrammed with software programs, navigation programs, or anyalgorithms or software applications, for identifying, determining,ascertaining, or calculating, any travel routes or directions fortraveling to and between one address, place, or location to anotheraddress, place, or location.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the personalmonitoring device 10 can be utilized in connection with, or inconjunction with, the apparatus 100, the central processing computer 20,a user communication device 30 associated with, or used by, any user orindividual authorized to, or assigned to, monitor the monitoredindividual, any law enforcement communication device 40, and/or anyemergency services provider communication device 50. As also describedherein, the personal monitoring device 10 can also be utilized as astand-alone device by the monitored individual to allow the monitoredindividual to monitor his or her travels, whereabouts, or environment.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another preferred embodiment method forutilizing the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention tomonitor a monitored individual, in flow diagram form. While thepreferred embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B is described and illustratedas being used to monitor a child, it is important to note that thepreferred embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B can also be utilized in asame, a similar, and/or an analogous, manner in order to monitor anyperson or individual of any age and/or any person and/or individual inany kind of physical, mental, or emotional, condition. While thepreferred embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B is described and illustratedas being used to monitor a child in or during his or her whereaboutsand/or travels one place to another, it is also important to note thepresent invention can also be utilized in a same, a similar, and/or ananalogous, manner in order to monitor the child in or during his or herwhereabouts and/or travels one place to another, during any given periodof time and/or during the course of a day, and/or to monitor any personor individual, of any age, in or during his or her whereabouts and/ortravels one place to another, during any given period of time and/orduring the course of a day.

With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the operation of the apparatus 100commences at step 1000. At step 1001, the personal monitoring device 10can be activated to operate so as to determine, ascertain, and/ormonitor, the child's location or whereabouts. Depending upon the time ofthe particular day and the schedule of the child, the personalmonitoring device 10 can determine the child's position or location andcan determine such to be at an address, place, or location, where thechild should be at that particular time. For example, and as describedherein, at 9:30 AM on a Monday morning during a school year, it isexpected that the child can be at his or her school. In a preferredembodiment, the child's travel itinerary or information regarding samecan be stored in the database 10H of the personal monitoring device 10and can include information indicating that the child should leaveschool at approximately 3:00 PM and travel back to his or her home,either by be driven in a vehicle or a school bus, or by riding abicycle, or by walking, or by travel by any other mode of travel.

At any time of day, the monitoring individual can utilize his or heruser communication device 30 in order to determine the child's positionor location so as to verify that the child is where he or she should beor that the child, if traveling from one place to another, is on thetravel route to his or her destination. At step 1002, the monitoringindividual can perform a locating operation using his or her usercommunication device 30 in order to determine or ascertain the positionor the location of the child. In a preferred embodiment, the monitoringindividual can utilize any suitable software program or softwareapplication which can be loaded onto or stored on or in, his or her usercommunication device 30 in order to determine the child's position orlocation. In a preferred embodiment, any suitable software program orsoftware application, which is available in the marketplace, or which isavailable commercially, as of the time of the filing of thisapplication, and which can be utilized in order to allow any individualor person, to determine, or locate, a position or location of anotherindividual or person can be utilized in and by the user communicationdevice 30 and the monitoring individual in order to allow the monitoringindividual to determine the position or location of the child.

In another preferred embodiment, instead of using a software program ofa software application to determine the position or location of thechild, the monitoring individual can also request that the centralprocessing computer or the cellular or wireless communication serviceprovider which services the apparatus 100, the user communication device30, or the personal monitoring device 10, perform a “pinging” operationfor the personal monitoring device 10 in order to determine its positionr location.

In another preferred embodiment, the monitoring individual can accessutilize his or her user communication device 30 in order to access thepersonal monitoring device 10, either via any communication network(s)and/or via the central processing computer 20 and/or any communicationnetwork(s) and request the position or location of the child asdetermined by the GPS device 10K of the personal monitoring device 10.In this regard, the monitoring individual can utilize his or her usercommunication device 30 in order to perform a control and/or monitoringoperation on the personal monitoring device 10 in order to determine orascertain the position or location of same as, therefore, the positionor location of the child.

At step 1002, the information regarding the position or location of thechild can be determined and provided to the user communication 30. Themonitoring individual can then be provided with the informationregarding the position or location of the child on or via his or heruser communication device 30. In a preferred embodiment, the child'sposition or location can be provided on a display screen or a displaydevice 30E of the user communication device 30 and can be shown on, orcan be pin-pointed on, a map. In a preferred embodiment, the map can bea digitized map, a satellite map, or any other appropriate map displaycan contain an indication of the child's position or location thereon.

At step 1003, the monitoring individual can determine whether or not thechild is located at a place or location where he or she should be atthat particular time, or the monitoring individual can determine whetheror not the child is on a travel route that he or she should be on atthat particular time. In another preferred embodiment, the usercommunication device 30 can, by using the information regarding theposition or location of the child, automatically determine whether ornot the child is located at a place or location where he or she shouldbe at that particular time, or the user communication device 30 canautomatically determine whether or not the child is on a travel routethat he or she should be on at that particular time.

If, at step 1003, it is determined that the child is at a place orlocation where he or she should be at that particular time, or that thechild is on a travel route that he or she should be on at thatparticular time, then the operation of the apparatus 100 will cease atstep 1007. If, however, at step 1003, it is determined that the child isnot at a place or location where he or she should be at that particulartime, or that the child is not on a travel route that he or she shouldbe on at that particular time, then the operation of the apparatus 100will proceed to step 1004.

At step 1004, the monitoring individual can utilize the usercommunication device 30 in order generate a location/travel routedeviation message regarding the child. The location/travel routedeviation message can contain the determined position or location of thechild and the time of such determination, and/or the location/travelroute deviation message, in the case of the child's deviation from atravel route, can contain the time and/or place, and the position orlocation, when and/or where the child deviated from or left the travelroute and the child's current place, position, or location. Thelocation/travel route deviation message can also include informationregarding the portion of the child's itinerary associated with place orlocation of the child or associated with the travel route from which thechild has deviated.

In another preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30 canautomatically generate a location/travel route deviation messageregarding the child which location/travel route deviation message cancontain the determined position or location of the child and the time ofsuch determination, and/or the location/travel route deviation message,in the case of the child's deviation from a travel route, can containthe time and/or place, and the position or location, when and/or wherethe child deviated from or left the travel route and the child's currentplace, position, or location. The location/travel route deviationmessage automatically generated by the user communication device 30 canalso include information regarding the portion of the child's itineraryassociated with place or location of the child or associated with thetravel route from which the child has deviated.

In a preferred embodiment, the location/travel route deviation messagecan also contain data and/or information for programming, and/or foractivating, deactivating, enabling, disabling, controlling an operationof or any number of operations of, or monitoring an operation of or anynumber of operations of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or anycomponent, system, device, or equipment, of same, including, but notlimited to, the CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s)10E, the transmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s)10I, the video and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K,any of the device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12, thedisplay section 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s) 15, thespeaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.

At step 1004, the user communication device 30 can transmit thelocation/travel route deviation message to the personal monitoringdevice 10. In a preferred embodiment, at step 1004, the usercommunication device 30 can also transmit the location/travel routedeviation message to the personal monitoring device 10 via the centralprocessing computer 20. In a preferred embodiment, the usercommunication device 10 can also, at step 1004, transmit thelocation/travel route deviation message to the central processingcomputer 20. In a preferred embodiment, the user communication device 10can also, at step 1004, transmit the location/travel route deviationmessage to the law enforcement communication device(s) 30 of orassociated with the city, town, municipality, or political subdivision,in which the child has been determined to be positioned or located, aswell to the law enforcement communication device(s) 30 of or associatedwith the any neighboring cities, towns, municipalities, or politicalsubdivisions. In a preferred embodiment, the user communication device10 can also, at step 1004, transmit the location/travel route deviationmessage to the emergency services provider communication device 50 of orassociated with the city, town, municipality, or political subdivision,in which the child has been determined to be positioned or located, aswell to the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50 of orassociated with any neighboring cities, towns, municipalities, orpolitical subdivisions.

At step 1004, the personal monitoring device 10, and/or, if applicable,the central processing computer 20, the law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40, and/or the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50, can receive, process, and/or store, any data and/orinformation in, the location/travel route deviation message. Thereafter,the operation of the apparatus 100 will proceed to step 1005.

At step 1005, the personal monitoring device 10 can automaticallyperform any one or more of any of the functions or functionalitiesdescribed herein as being performed by the personal monitoring device 10at or during step 905 of the embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B.

In a preferred embodiment, at step 1005, the personal monitoring device10 can generate a personal monitoring message, which can contain thetime, date, and the current position or location of the child, and thepersonal monitoring device 10 can transmit the personal monitoringmessage to the user communication device 30. In a preferred embodiment,the personal monitoring device 10 can also transmit the personalmonitoring message to the central processing computer 20. In a preferredembodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also transmit thepersonal monitoring message to the law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 30 of or associated with the city, town, municipality, orpolitical subdivision, in which the child is determined to be positionedor located, as well message to the law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 30 of or associated with any neighboring cities, towns,municipalities, or political subdivisions. In a preferred embodiment,the personal monitoring device 10 can also transmit the personalmonitoring message to the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50 of or associated with the city, town, municipality, orpolitical subdivision, in which the child is determined to be positionedor located, as well to the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50 of or associated with any neighboring cities, towns,municipalities, or political subdivisions.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can obtain,determine, read, or record, any physiological or healthcare informationregarding the child such as, for example, but not limited to, thechild's heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, bloodsugar level, or any other healthcare information or healthcare-relateddata and/or information, or any other physical condition, physiologicalcondition, or healthcare condition, which can be measured or measurableby any wearable device or by any implanted device or implantable devicewhich can be obtained by or using any of the respective andherein-described devices, equipment, monitors, or measurement devices,which can be wearable or non-wearable and/or which can be connected toor with, or wirelessly linked to or with the personal monitoring device10 and/or the CPU 10A of same. Any data and/or information obtainedregarding any of the herein-described data and/or information can alsobe included in the personal monitoring message which can be generated byand transmitted from the personal monitoring device 10 as describedherein at periodic time intervals. For example, in addition to thechild's current position or location, information regarding the child'sheart rate, body temperature, or any other healthcare information can beprovided in the personal monitoring message.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 cangenerate and transmit updated personal monitoring messages at anypre-determined or pre-selected time intervals.

In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring message canalso contain and/or include the temperature of the environment in whichthe child is located, which can be exterior temperature if the child andthe personal monitoring device 10 is located outdoors, or an interiortemperature if the child and the personal monitoring device 10 arelocated indoors.

At step 1005, the personal monitoring device 10 can automaticallytransmit the personal monitoring message, and any updated personalmonitoring messages, to the user communication device 30 which is usedby, associated with, or assigned to, the monitoring individual for thechild. In a preferred embodiment, for example, the monitoring individualcan be a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a relative, a friend, aguardian, or any other authorized person. In a situation where the childmay be monitored by more than one monitoring individual, then thepersonal monitoring device 10, at step 1005, can transmit the personalmonitoring message, as well as any updated personal monitoring messages,to the user communication device 30 which is used by, associated with,or assigned to, each and every monitoring individual for the child.

At step 1005, the personal monitoring device 10 can also automaticallytransmit any updated personal monitoring message(s) to the centralprocessing computer 20 so as to report the child's potion or location tothe central processing computer 20 and to any company or entity whichoperates same. At step 1005, the personal monitoring device 10 can alsoautomatically transmit any updated personal monitoring message(s) to thelaw enforcement communication device(s) 40 of or associated with eachlaw enforcement agency or department associated with the city, town,municipality, or political subdivision, in which the child is determinedto be positioned or located, as well as to each law enforcementcommunication device(s) of or associated with each neighboring lawenforcement agency or department. At step 1005, the personal monitoringdevice 10 can also automatically transmit any updated personalmonitoring message(s) to the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50 of or associated with each emergency services provideragency or department associated with the city, town, municipality, orpolitical subdivision, in which the child is determined to be positionedor located, as well as to each emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50 of or associated with each neighboring emergency servicesprovider agency or department.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10, at step1005, can also initiate a cellular or wireless telephone call to theuser communication 30 of the monitoring individual. In another preferredembodiment, if more than one monitoring individuals are associated withthe child, then the personal monitoring device 10 can initiate cellularor wireless telephone call, and/or a telephone conference call, toand/or so as to include the child and all monitoring individuals for thechild. In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device10 can also initiate a cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or atelephone conference call, to and/or so as to include at least onemonitoring individual and a law enforcement officer or individual, viaand/or by including a respective law enforcement communication device40, and/or an emergency services provider individual or person viaand/or by including an emergency services provider communication device50.

In a preferred embodiment, the cellular or wireless telephone call canbe made so as to put the child into live contact with, and/or into livecommunication with, the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals,and/or so as to put the child and the monitoring individual ormonitoring individuals into live contact with, and/or into livecommunication with, law enforcement personnel and/or emergency servicespersonnel.

In a preferred embodiment, at step 1005, once the cellular or wirelesstelephone call and/or any conference line involving the monitoringindividual or monitoring individuals, and/or any law enforcement lawenforcement personnel and/or emergency services personnel, has been madeand, with the call line and/or conference line being live and/oron-going, the personal monitoring device 10 can de-activate the personalmonitoring device's 10 telephone call on/off switch, or on/off switchfunctionality, on or in the personal monitoring device 10 so that thepersonal monitoring device 10 cannot be disconnected from the telephonecall and/or the conference line. In a preferred embodiment, theherein-described de-activation of the telephone call on/off switch, oron/off switch functionality, of the personal monitoring device 10 can beeffectuated by using, and/or by programming the personal monitoringdevice 10, with or using any appropriate and/or suitable softwareprogram, algorithm, or software application. In a preferred embodiment,the personal monitoring device 10 can also be programmed and/or equippedso as to detect being disconnected from, or dropped from, the telephonecall and/or conference call, and can automatically re-connect to thetelephone call and/or to the conference call. It is to be understood,that any of the herein-described personal monitoring device(s) 10, usercommunication device(s) 30, law enforcement communication device(s) 40,and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, can beequipped with long lasting batteries or power sources, externalbatteries or power sources, and/or any other supplemental batteries orpower sources so as to ensure that sufficient electrical power isavailable and can be supplied to any of the herein-described personalmonitoring device(s) 10, user communication device(s) 30, lawenforcement communication device(s) 40, and/or an emergency servicesprovider communication device(s) 50.

In a preferred embodiment, the herein-described functionality ofestablishing a cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or conferencecall, can allow the child to be brought into, and to be maintained in,live contact with and/or live communication with, his or her monitoringindividual or one or more monitoring individuals, and/or with any numberof law enforcement personal and/or emergency services personnel. In thismanner, the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals, and/or anylaw enforcement personnel and/or emergency services personnel, can speakwith the child, can comfort or reassure the child that all will be okay,and/or can ascertain the child's whereabouts, while the child my be lostor off track. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device10 can activate the speakerphone, and/or any speakers and/or microphone,of same for and/or during the cellular or wireless telephone call and/orconference call.

In a preferred embodiment, any activation or use of a speakerphonefunctionality of the personal monitoring device 10 can also be utilizedin order to establish or facilitate an intercom, or anintercommunication or intercom-like, communication platform or systemwhich can provide for open communication involving or between the child,any individual or person coming into contact with the child, and themonitoring individual, and/or any law enforcement personnel, emergencyservices personnel, or any operator of the central processing computer20.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 1005, activate any camera, any video recording device orequipment, any microphone, or any audio recording device, of same,and/or any device or equipment of the video and/or audio recordingdevice(s) 10J of same, for and/or during the cellular or wirelesstelephone call and/or conference call.

In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 canalso, at step 1005 activate one or more indicator lights 18 or 19 on thepersonal monitoring device 10 which can be used to indicate that thechild is currently outside of his or her “safe” zone of travel. As notedherein, the personal monitoring device 10 can be provided with one ormore indicator lights 18 or 19 which can be used to indicate when thechild is inside or within his or her “safe” zone of travel and one ormore indicator lights 18 or 19 which can be used to indicate when thechild is not in, or outside, of his or her “safe” zone of travel. In apreferred embodiment, when the child is inside or within his or her“safe” zone of travel, one or more of these indicator lights 18 or 19can be lit or illuminated with a green light. In a preferred embodiment,when the child is outside of his or her “safe” zone of travel, one ormore of these indicator lights 18 or 19 can be lit or illuminated with ared light. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10and/or the CPU 10A can, at step 1005, activate or cause one or more ofthe indicator lights 18 or 19 to be lit or illuminated in red. In thisregard, any individual or person who may see, or come into contact withthe child can be notified, by seeing the red lights on the personalmonitoring device 10, that the child may be lost or otherwise in need ofassistance. In a preferred embodiment, any indicator lights can also beprovided via the display screen or in or via a portion or section of thedisplay screen.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 1005, activate any camera, any video recording device orequipment, any microphone, or any audio recording device, of same,and/or any device or equipment of the video and/or audio recordingdevice(s) 10J of same, for obtaining pictures, video information, videoclips, audio information, or audio clips, of the child, or anyindividual's or person who or may come into contact with the child,and/or of any of the child's surroundings, environment, or location. Ina preferred embodiment, any pictures, video information, video clips,audio information, or audio clips, recorded by and at the personalmonitoring device 10 can be transmitted to, and stored by or in, each ofthe user communication device 30 of the monitoring individual, each usercommunication device 30 of each monitoring individual, the centralprocessing computer 20, or any law enforcement communication device(s)40, and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s) 50. Inthis regard, any audio or video which can be used to ascertain thechild's location or which can be used to ascertain any individuals orpersons with the child or who the child may have come into contact with,can be recorded by the personal monitoring device 10 and transmitted to,and/or viewed and/or listened to, and/or stored, via or at each of theuser communication device 30 of the monitoring individual, each usercommunication device 30 of each monitoring individual, the centralprocessing computer 20, or any law enforcement communication device(s)40, and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s) 50.

In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 canalso, at step 1005, begin to, or can continue to, track the child'smovements and can generate tracking update messages or updated personalmonitoring messages at any pre-selected time interval(s), containinginformation regarding the child's location(s), movement(s), and speed oftravel or movement. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoringdevice 10, as well as the central processing computer(s) 20, the usercommunication(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40,and/or the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, canbe equipped with software to calculate or otherwise determine thechild's speed of movement. In this manner, depending on the speed ofmovement of the child, it can be determined if the child is traveling inor on a vehicle or is traveling on foot. In a preferred embodiment, thetracking update messages or updated personal monitoring messages can beautomatically transmitted, at periodic time intervals, from the personalmonitoring device 10 to the user communication(s) 30 of the monitoringindividual(s), and/or, or as well as, to the central processingcomputer(s) 20, the user communication(s) 30, the law enforcementcommunication device(s) 40, and/or the emergency services providercommunication device(s) 50.

In a preferred embodiment, information regarding the child's movementcan be displayed and/or tracked on or via a digital or satellite mapwhich can be displayed on the display device of the respective usercommunication(s) 30, the central processing computer(s) 20, the lawenforcement communication device(s) 40, and/or the emergency servicesprovider communication device(s) 50. In a preferred embodiment, theinformation regarding the child's movement can also be displayed and/ortracked on or via a digital or satellite map which can be displayed onthe display screen 12 of the personal monitoring device 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 1005, activate a homing beacon or beacon of the personalmonitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the homing beacon orbeacon of the personal monitoring device 10 can transmit or provide asignal, a distress signal, or any other indication, which can beutilized in connection with a corresponding receiver, which can beprovided in or with each of the user communication device(s) 30, thecentral processing computer(s) 20, the law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40, and/or the emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50, and which can allow for any user or operator of suchdevice(s) or computers 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, to track and/or to “home”in on or locate the child. As noted herein, in a preferred embodiment,the equipment and technology which can be used to implement the beaconor homing beacon and any associated receivers can be the same as,similar to, or analogous to, the technology which was used in vehicletracking devices such as Lo-Jack® systems and/or any other vehiclerecovery systems or any other suitable vehicle tracking and locatingsystems which are known by those skilled in the art of vehicle recoverysystems. Any of the herein-described users or operators of any of theherein-described device(s) or computers 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, canthereafter use his/her/its respective device(s) or computer 30, 20, 40,and/or 50, in order to “home” in on the signals transmitted from oremitted from the beacon or homing beacon.

In a preferred embodiment, at step 1005, the personal monitoring device10 can also play any pre-recorded messages or video clips or audioclips, which messages, video clips, or audio clips, to the child via thedisplay screen 12 and speakers 16. In a preferred embodiment, thepre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips can be pre-recordedby the monitoring individual or by any number of monitoring individuals,and can be stored in the personal monitoring device 10. The pre-recordedmessages or video clips or audio clips can be used in order to comfortthe child or calm the child down, if needed, by providing him or herwith the voice and/or image of the monitoring individual or monitoringindividuals. The pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips canalso contain or include contact information for the child or his or hermonitoring individual, name and address of the child, contact telephonenumbers, contact e-mail addresses, contact text message, MMS message, orSMS message, numbers, IP addresses, ad/or any other information, and/orcan contain any instructions and/or information needed for caring forthe child, including any medications or drugs which the child requiresand/or any other healthcare needs or any special needs of the child. Inthis regard, the pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips canalso contain or include any information which any individual or personmay need or find helpful in assisting the child until the child is foundor recovered.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 1005, provide information, and/or a link to information,regarding or contained in the healthcare records of the child. In apreferred embodiment, any information contained in the child'shealthcare records can be stored in the personal monitoring device 10.In another preferred embodiment, a link or a hyperlink to the child'shealthcare records can be provided via the personal monitoring device 10so as to allow any individual or person to gain access to the child'shealthcare records, which healthcare records can be stored in or at thecentral processing computer 20, the user communication device 30 of amonitoring individual, or the healthcare records computer 60. In apreferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can provideinformation, and/or a link to information, regarding any healthcareneeds of the child or any special needs of the child.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also,at step 1005, provide information regarding any instructions ordirections for guiding the child back onto his or her travel route. Inanother preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can, atstep 1005, activate or turn on a flashlight or a flashlightfunctionality, and/or a strobe light or a strobe light functionality.

In a preferred embodiment, at any time during step 1005 and/or at anyother time, the user communication device 30 can generate and/or cantransmit a control signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in orderto enable, disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, ormonitor an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or anycomponent, system, device, or equipment, of same. In this regard, theuser communication device 30 can generate and/or can transmit a controlsignal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable,activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operationof, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,device, or equipment, of same, including, but not limited to, the CPU10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s) 10E, thetransmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s) 10I, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K, any ofthe device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12, the displaysection 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s) 15, thespeaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.

In a preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30 can also, atstep 1005 and/or at any other time, transmit the control signal over anyappropriate communication network(s) to the personal monitoring device10. In another preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30can transmit the control signal over the appropriate communicationnetwork(s) to the personal monitoring device 10 via the centralprocessing computer 20.

In another preferred embodiment, the central processing computer 20 canalso, at step 1005 and/or at any other time, can generate and/or cantransmit a control signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in orderto enable, disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, ormonitor an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or anycomponent, system, device, or equipment, of same. In this regard, theuser communication device 30 can generate and/or can transmit a controlsignal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable,activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operationof, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,device, or equipment, of same, including, but not limited to, the CPU10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s) 10E, thetransmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s) 10I, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K, any ofthe device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12, the displaysection 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s) 15, thespeaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.

In another preferred embodiment, any authorized law enforcementcommunication device 40 and/or any authorized emergency servicesprovider communication device 50 can also, at step 1005 and/or at anyother time, generate and/or can transmit a control signal to thepersonal monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable, activate,de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operation of, thepersonal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system, device, orequipment, of same. In this regard, any authorized law enforcementcommunication device 40 and/or any authorized emergency servicesprovider communication device 50 can generate and/or can transmit acontrol signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable,disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor anoperation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component,system, device, or equipment, of same, including, but not limited to,the CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s) 10E, thetransmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s) 10I, thevideo and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K, any ofthe device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12, the displaysection 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s) 15, thespeaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.

In a preferred embodiment, the law enforcement communication device 40and/or the emergency services provider communication device 50 can also,at step 1005 and/or at any other time, transmit the control signal overany appropriate communication network(s) to the personal monitoringdevice 10. In another preferred embodiment, the law enforcementcommunication device 40 and/or the emergency services providercommunication device 50 can transmit the control signal over theappropriate communication network(s) to the personal monitoring device10 via the central processing computer 20.

In a preferred embodiment, at step 1005, the personal monitoring device10 and/or the CPU 10A, and/or the user communication device 30, and/orthe central processing computer 20, and/or any authorized lawenforcement communication device(s) 40 or any authorized emergencyservices provider communication device(s) 50, can continue tracking thechild's position or location by using the position or location dataand/or information obtained by the GPS device 10K and transmitted fromthe personal monitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, thepersonal monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A, and/or the usercommunication device 30, and/or the central processing computer 20,and/or any authorized law enforcement communication device(s) 40 or anyauthorized emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, atany pre-defined or pre-selected time interval, which in a preferredembodiment can be one (1) minute or any other suitable time interval,and while any and/or all functionality described herein as beingperformed at step 1005, can determine if the child has made it back tothe place, position, or location where he or she is supposed to be atthat time, and/or can determine if the child has made his or her wayback to the travel route, and/or can determine if the child has beenfound. In this regard, the operation of the apparatus 100 can proceed tostep 1006 and the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A,and/or the user communication device 30, and/or the central processingcomputer 20, and/or any authorized law enforcement communicationdevice(s) 40 or any authorized emergency services provider communicationdevice(s) 50, can determine if the child is back at the place, position,or location where he or she is supposed to be at that time, candetermine if the child has made it back to the travel route, and/or candetermine if the child has been found and that an instruction to resetthe personal monitoring device 10 has been received by the personalmonitoring device 10 or has been input into the personal monitoringdevice 10.

If, at step 1006, it is determined that the child is back at the place,position, or location where he or she is supposed to be at that time, isback on the travel route, and/or that the child has been found and thatan instruction to reset the personal monitoring device 10 has beenreceived by the personal monitoring device 10 or has been input into thepersonal monitoring device 10, then the operation of the apparatus 100will cease at step 1007. Thereafter, the personal monitoring device 10can be reset for future use. If at step 1006, it is determined that thechild has still not made it back to the place, position, or locationwhere he or she is supposed to be at that time, has not made it back tothe travel route, and/or that the child has not been found, and that aninstruction to reset the personal monitoring device 10 has been receivedby the personal monitoring device 10 or has been input into the personalmonitoring device 10, then the operation of the apparatus 100 willreturn to, or continue on as described during, step 1005 as describedherein. The apparatus 100 will thereafter continue to function and/oroperate at steps 1005 and 1006 until it is determined by the personalmonitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A that the child is back at theplace, position, or location, where he or she is supposed to be, or isback on his or her travel route, or that the child has been found, oruntil an instruction to reset the personal monitoring device 10 has beenreceived by the personal monitoring device 10 or has been input into thepersonal monitoring device 10.

Although described herein as being utilized to monitor a child, it isimportant to note that the apparatus 100 and the personal monitoringdevice 10 of FIGS. 10A and 10B can be utilized in a same, a similar,and/or an analogous, manner to monitor individuals of any age, includingbut not limited to infants, children, adolescents, teenagers, adults ofany age, elderly individuals, individuals having no healthcare issues,conditions, problems, or challenges, and/or individuals havinghealthcare issues, conditions, problems, or challenges. The apparatus100 and method of the present invention as well as the apparatus ofFIGS. 10A and 10B can be used to monitor children who may be afflictedwith autism, or any disabilities, or who may lack communications skills,and/or who may have other conditions, as well as individuals of any agewho are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or Dementia, o any otherhealthcare conditions. The apparatus 100 and method of the presentinvention as well as the apparatus of FIGS. 10A and 10B can also be usedto monitor individuals of any age who may have no healthcare conditionsor problems, but who might want to simply utilize the apparatus 100 andmethod of the present inventions for the numerous benefits it canprovide.

In a preferred embodiment, any of the functions and/or functionalitydescribed herein as being performed by the personal monitoring device 10at or during step 1005 can be pre-programmed into the personalmonitoring device 10 beforehand by any authorized individual and/or by amonitoring individual. In a preferred embodiment, any of the functionsand/or functionality described herein as being performed by the personalmonitoring device 10 at or during step 1005 can be changed or can bere-programmed at any time. In another preferred embodiment, anyfunctions and/or functionality described herein as being performed bythe personal monitoring device 10 at or during step 1005 can also beenabled, disabled, activated, deactivated, or controlled, or monitored,by or via the user communication device 30, the central processingcomputer 20, the law enforcement communication device 40, or theemergency services provider communication device 50.

In another preferred embodiment, as well as in any and/or all of theembodiments described herein, the apparatus 100 and/or the personalmonitoring device 10 can also be utilized to record informationregarding any incidents of bullying, harassment, criminal acts, or anyother activities or events, perpetrated on, inflicted upon, or occurringinvolving the monitored individual and/or occurring in the vicinity ofthe monitored individual. In such an embodiment, the personal monitoringdevice 10 can be activated to record audio information and/or videoinformation regarding the event or the occurrence, the position orlocation of same, date and time of same, and/or any other pertinentinformation regarding same which can be obtained by, with, or using, thepersonal monitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, a monitoredindividual can manually activate the personal monitoring device 10. Inanother preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can beequipped with voice activation equipment and/or hardware and/or softwareand can be activated to record any information regarding an event oroccurrence by, or in response to, a voice activation command. In apreferred embodiment, any data and/or information recorded can be storedin the database 10H of the personal monitoring device 10 and/or can betransmitted to the user communication device(s) 30 of or associated withthe monitoring individual, the central processing computer 20, and/or toany one of more law enforcement communication devices 40 and/oremergency services provider communication devices 50, for reporting andfor storing as evidence.

The apparatus 100 and method of the present invention can be utilized inorder to provide and support comprehensive personal monitoring servicesof a global nature for individuals of any age. The apparatus 100 andmethod of the present invention can also be utilized in order to provideand support comprehensive personal monitoring services of a globalnature for individuals of any age and regardless of whether or not theyhave any conditions, illnesses, sicknesses, disabilities, or healthconditions. The apparatus 100 and method of the present invention canalso be utilized to provide and service personal monitoring accounts forany number of individuals, with such personal monitoring accountsfacilitating the providing of personal monitoring services by and/orinvolving any number of various monitoring services providers, securityservices provider, healthcare providers, healthcare insurers, healthcarerecords service providers, and/or healthcare payers, and/or lawenforcement agencies and/or departments, and/or emergency servicesproviders agencies and/or departments.

In another preferred embodiment, as well as any and/or all of theembodiments described herein, any of the herein-described personalmonitoring device(s) 10, user communication devices 30, law enforcementcommunication devices 40, and/or emergency services providercommunications devices 50, can be configured and/or adapted to work inan entirely hands-free mode of operation. In this regard, any of theherein-described personal monitoring device(s) 10, user communicationdevices 30, law enforcement communication devices 40, and/or emergencyservices provider communications devices 50, can be configured and/oradapted so that they, as well as any operation or functionality of same,can be activated, deactivated, enabled, disabled, controlled, ormonitored, by voice-activation, so that any data, information, commands,directions, or instructions, can be input be entered by voice command,and/or so that or so that any data, information, commands, directions,or instructions, can be provided by or from the respective device 10,30, 40, and/or 50, in the form of audio or audio information.

In another preferred embodiment, any of the herein-described personalmonitoring devices 10, user communication devices 30, law enforcementcommunication devices 40, and/or emergency services providercommunications devices 50, can each be equipped with any needed ordesired hardware, circuitry, software, software programs, algorithms,and/or software applications (“apps”) for performing any and/or all oftheir respective functions and operations described herein. In anotherpreferred embodiment, any of the herein-described personal monitoringdevices 10, user communication devices 30, law enforcement communicationdevices 40, and/or emergency services provider communications devices50, can each be equipped with a “kill” switch functionality so that, iflost or stolen, the respective device(s) 10, 30, 40, and/or 50, cannotbe utilized by and/or cannot be misappropriated by another individual orperson and any data and/or information stored therein can be erased anddestroyed completely.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated invarious preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions aremerely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construedto be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present inventionencompasses all modifications, variations, and/or alternate embodiments,with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claimswhich follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing; a display,wherein the display is located on a first side face of the housing; atouch screen keyboard viewable or accessible via the display; at leasttwo microphones, wherein a first microphone of the at least twomicrophones is located on the first side face of the housing, andwherein a second microphone of the at least two microphones is locatedon a second side face of the housing; at least two speakers, wherein afirst speaker of the at least two speakers is located on the second sideface of the housing; at least two cameras, wherein a first camera of theat least two cameras is located on the first side face of the housing,and wherein a second camera of the at least two cameras is located onthe second side face of the housing or on a third side face of thehousing; and at least two indicator lights, wherein the at least twoindicator lights are located on the first side face of the housing,wherein a first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights,when illuminated, signifies that the apparatus is located within a safezone of travel, and further wherein a second indicator light of the atleast two indicator lights, when illuminated, signifies that theapparatus is located outside of a safe zone of travel.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising: a global positioning device, wherein theglobal positioning device is housed within the housing.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising: a scanner for scanning information intothe apparatus.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a pulserate monitor or a heart rate monitor.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a blood pressure monitor.
 6. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising: a blood alcohol monitor.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a thermometer.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a pacemaker or a defibrillator.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the housing is attachable to clothing.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is waterproof.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing contains a phosphorescentmaterial.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is, orcontains, equipment to enable the apparatus to function as a cellulartelephone.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is, orcontains, equipment to enable the apparatus to function as a navigationdevice.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is, orcontains, equipment to disable the apparatus.
 15. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising: a transmitter, wherein the transmitter transmitsa message to a computer or to a communication device when the apparatusis detected to be located outside of the safe zone of travel.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus initiates and establishes atelephone call with a communication device when the apparatus is locatedoutside of the safe zone of travel.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apparatus is housed within a cellular telephone or a smartphone.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is housedwithin a watch or a wristwatch.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe apparatus is housed within a bracelet or a necklace.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is housed within an articleof jewelry.